As a girl growing up in Hardeman County, the daughter of sharecroppers, Hattye Mae Thomas Yarbrough couldn’t imagine many of the things she’s seen in her 95 years. “Never in a million years” is when she thought she’d see America’s first African American president, for instance. And “never in a million years” did she ever think she, the star basketball player from Paris, … [Read more...] about Artifacts from Hattye Yarbrough’s collection were on display when the Smithsonian’s new museum opened
Black History
Historian’s scrapbook becomes new Smithsonian exhibit
Covington resident Hattye T. Yarbrough isn’t bragging about her upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. “I feel about it the same way I felt a few years ago,” the 95-year-old said Tuesday. It’s not just any trip, though. Later this month, the former educator’s World War II era scrapbook will be one of the exhibits on display when the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African … [Read more...] about Historian’s scrapbook becomes new Smithsonian exhibit
Price house added to national, state historical registers
A local home has just been added to the national and state historical registries, the Memphis Area Association of Government announced Friday. The Dr. Thomas H. Price House, located at 620 North Main Street in Covington, was placed in the National and Tennessee Registers of Historic Places by the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior last … [Read more...] about Price house added to national, state historical registers
Victor Johnson celebrated at June 2016 Veteran of the Month
Covington native Victor Johnson was recently honored as the June Veteran of the Month by the Tipton County Veterans Council at a ceremony held at the Tipton County Museum, Veteran Memorial and Nature Center in Covington. Nominated by City of Covington District 1 Alderwoman Minnie Bommer who told those gathered for the recognition ceremony that Victor grew up here and he makes … [Read more...] about Victor Johnson celebrated at June 2016 Veteran of the Month
Group asks Covington to help purchase Price house
As part of its ongoing effort to establish a museum in Covington, on Tuesday a representative from the Association for the Preservation of African-American History and Culture in Tipton County asked the city to help purchase the old Price house. The non-profit organization would like to purchase the house, which sits at the intersection of North Main Street and Hwy. 51 North, … [Read more...] about Group asks Covington to help purchase Price house
Lane finds home with Covington radio station
When David Lane was a sales rep for a country music radio station in Nashville, he walked into a potential client’s office for the first time and the person manning the desk was surprised by the color of his skin. The person was not hostile, but just surprised that an African-American man was working for a country music station. “Let me get this right. You’re a black guy and … [Read more...] about Lane finds home with Covington radio station
Black History Month: Dexter Moragne finds home at St. Luke
When Dexter Moragne was 23 years old, a friend of his arranged for him to serve as a guest pastor at St. Luke Baptist Church in Covington. Growing up in South Memphis, Moragne was a city guy. Coming to speak at a rural church and seeing how they did things was an eye-opening experience. "It was a culture shock from a city church to a rural church," says Moragne. "I said, … [Read more...] about Black History Month: Dexter Moragne finds home at St. Luke
Cavat Bass records 25 years with CPD
Cavat Bass does not like to make a big deal out of it because that's not his nature, but he has made history within the Covington Police Department during his 25 years on the job. He became the first African-American lieutenant in 1993. A few years later he became the first African-American captain and is now the first African-American assistant chief. Rather than publicize … [Read more...] about Cavat Bass records 25 years with CPD
