Richard Berry Harrison High School
Classes of
1935 Through 1975
Alumni Reunion 2024
August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 2024
Theme: "Spirit of the Harrisonites"
Theme Song: "Glory, Glory Hallelujah”
Harrisonites, Incorporated
P.O. Box 2093
Blytheville, Arkansas 72316
www.harrisonitesinc.com
Greetings,
I am giving glory to God that we had the excellent opportunity of being educated in a predominately-Black institution. The stories we now tell are those of struggle, inequality, adversity, lack, and failure. Yet in that same breath of storytelling, we tell of triumph, equality, good times, privileges, and success. How can one entwine these opposites into one? By being in attendance at the 2024 Reunion of the Richard Berry Harrison High School, that 'Little School on Elm Street'. The home of the Mighty, Mighty, Dragon. Welcome to the circle of Life. A weekend of enjoyment, amusement, serenity, sovereignty, and recollection.
Our theme is "Spirit of the Harrisonites” and our theme song is "Glory, Glory Hallelujah" by Julia Ward-Howe. We the hosting committee would like to guarantee that we never forget where we came from and what it took to get us here. Therefore, we have elected to return to our "Roots" by celebrating our modest beginning. We have to remember where we came from to appreciate how far we have come. Our past positively affects our future.
As we go back to those dark days, let us review them in the light that they produce. Let us sing our Reunion Song in the tune of “Glory, Glory Hallelujah “with a deeper meaning because we have so much to be thankful for. The battle is not over but the fight is not as intense.
As we salute the fine work of the Harrisonites and Guests in the field of medicine. Let us be mindful of one lesson they taught, that a life is a terrible thing to waste. We thank them foremost for their unwavering service and we thank you for being here to commemorate them.
By the authority given to me by Harrisonites, Incorporated, I declare Reunion 2024 open for business and high spirit. If we can be of service to you in anyway, please do not hesitate to allow us to assist you. The Blytheville Alumni Association of Harrisonites, Incorporated, and your host committee is on notice that you are to be treated like African Kings and Queens.
Harrisonites Forever,
Geneva Aldridge-Harris, President- Class of '71
Harrisonites, Incorporated
National Officers
President-Geneva Aldridge-Harris-‘71
First Vice-President-Catherine Jones-Satchell-‘69
Second Vice-President-Beatrice Jenkins-Davis-‘70
Recording Secretary-Linnie Clark-Heard-‘72
Assistant Secretary-Linda Bedford-Williams-‘73
Correspondence Secretary-Sandra Thomas-King-‘66
Treasurer-Kenneth Keltner King-‘66
Historian-Delores Rice-Freeman-‘64
Reporter-Bobbie Trible-Diamond-‘71
Chaplain-Lawrence “Larry” Keith-‘68
Parliamentarian- Robinson Nunn-’61-Deceased
Past President-Lucretia Horne-McDonald-‘55=Deceased
Board of Directors
Geneva Aldridge-Harris-‘71 * Faye Maxine Williams-Ford-‘53
Catherine Jones-Satchell-‘69 *Vivion Brown-Ware-‘55
Beatrice Jenkins-Davis-‘70 *Russell Ware-‘55 Linda Bedford-Williams-‘73 Linnie Clark-Heard-‘72
Sandra Thomas-King-‘66 *Charles Sanders-‘55
Kenneth Keltner King-‘66 Delores Rice-Freeman-‘64 Bobbie Trible-Diamond-‘71
*Board Member Emeritus
Chartered Chapters
*Blytheville Alumni Association of Harrisonites
*Chicago Alumni Association of Harrisonites
*Little Rock Alumni Association of Harrisonites
Michigan State Alumni Association of Harrisonites
St. Louis Alumni Association of Harrisonites
*Active
Committee Chairperson
Scholarship-Catherine Jones-Satchell-‘69 Constitution and By-Laws-Herman Strickland-‘57
Election-Kathy Lester-Dodd-‘71 Nomination-Winston Bernard Turner-‘68
Alma Mater
Harrison, My Harrison
In the great state of Arkansas,
Harrison, My Harrison,
Students gather here from near and far,
Harrison, My Harrison.
Give to them all, thy wisdom store
Courage, and love and light and lore;
And we'll be true for ever more
Harrison, My Harrison.
We humbly bow before thy shrine
Harrison, My Harrison
Ardent worshippers we'll be of thine,
Harrison, My Harrison.
We all go forth thy praise to sing,
In peace and war, sunshine and rain,
Thy message to the world proclaim
Harrison, My Harrison.
Tune: Maryland, My Maryland
Words: Mrs. Carrie B. White
Song Leader: Robert L. Wilburn, Sr.-‘57
REUNION 2024
Itinerary
Theme: "Spirit of the Harrisonites"
Theme Song: "Glory, Glory Hallelujah”- By Julia Ward-Howe
EVENTS WILL BE HELD AT
Blytheville Public School-Multipurpose Building
1103 Byrum Road
Happy Hour
Essence Event Center
2044 E. State Highway 18
The Lucretia Horne-McDonald Worship and Memorial Service-‘55
ST. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
1630 West Street
Business Meeting
Richard Berry Harrison Multipurpose Complex
801 Elm Street
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Registration Meet and Greet
6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Geneva Aldridge-Harris, President-Chairperson- Class of ‘71
“Baby Dee”-D.J.
Friday, August 2, 2024
Registration and Picnic
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m
Continental Breakfast..........9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Leona Bobo-Tate-Class of ‘64 and Dorothy Tate-Johnson- class of ’74-Chairpersons
Blytheville Alumni Association of Harrisonites-Geneva Aldridge-Harris, President-Class of ‘71
Picnic...............................................11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Gloria Fair-Chairperson-Class of ‘74
Games-Joyce Cooper-Hunter-‘63
Individual Class Reunions...............................2:00 p.m -4:00 p.m.
(Each Class is responsible for your own meeting site.)
Class Night Program.................6:00p.m.-9:00 p.m.
M.C.s- Lamon(’83) and Latoria(’95) Gibson-Aldridge-Associated Members
Throwback Fashion Show- Co-Commentators- Delores Rice- Freeman and Lee Rainer-‘64
The Voice Hourly Karaoke
Geneva Aldridge-Harris-President-Chairperson-Class 0f ‘71
Scholarship Auction-Dr. Pennie King-Stallworth-‘71
WEAR YOUR THROWBACK OUTFIT FOR YOUR YEARS AT HARRISON!
Happy Hour
(CASH BAR)
Essence Event Center
9:30pm-2:00am
Saturday, August 3, 2024
The Lucretia Horne-McDonald Worship and Memorial Service-Class of ‘55
Board Emeritus and Past President Twice
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
11:00 a.m.
1630 West Street
Blytheville, Arkansas 72315
Rev. Bennie Washington, Pastor
Speaker: Pastor Ralph Edward Diamond-Class of ‘67
Unity on Fire Worship Center
3636 Hunter Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64129
Worship Leader- Dr. Pennie King-Stallworth-Class of ‘70
Norma J. Valley-Chairperson- Class of ‘73
Business Meeting.............2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Richard Berry Harrison Multipurpose Complex
801 Elm Street
Blytheville, Arkansas 72315
Geneva Aldridge Harris, Presiding-Class of ‘71
Banquet Dinner and Social Hour....................6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
HONOREES-MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS
M.C.-Barbara McCollough-Walker-‘71
Tribute- Patricia Evans-Barnett and Frederick McCoy-Class of ‘66
Geneva Aldridge-Harris, President- Chairperson-Class of ‘71
6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
"Baby Dee” -D. J.
SAVE THE DATES FOR REUNION 2026: AUGUST 6, 7, and 8, 2026
Reunion Song
(Glory, Glory, Hallelujah)
Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic
Written by: Lucretia Horne-McDonald-‘55 and Carolyn Horne-Middlebrooks-‘65
Song Leader: Robert L. Wilburn, Sr. - ‘57
Verse # 1:
Harrison High School was founded in 1935,
To educate Black student for a better life to strive,
Teachers, preachers, doctors, lawyers, and occupations to strive,
Harrisonites keep marching on.
Chorus:
Glory, glory, hallelujah--------------
Glory, glory, hallelujah--------------
Glory, glory, hallelujah--------------
Harrisonites, keep marching on.
Verse # 2:
Class reunions bring together past and present friends so dear,
To relive all the memories of a many a happy school year,
As our different routes and journeys take us places far and near,
Harrisonites, keep marching on.
Chorus:
Glory, glory hallelujah---------------
Glory, glory hallelujah---------------
Glory, glory hallelujah---------------
Harrisonites, keep marching on.
Class Night Program
August 2, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Geneva Aldridge-Harris, President-chairperson-‘71
M. Cs. ---------------------------Lamon (’83) and Latoria (’95) Gibson-Aldridge-Associate Members
Invocation-----------------------------Floyd Jean King-Moore-‘68
Greetings-----------------------------------Mayor Melissa Whaley-Logan-Blytheville, Arkansas
Throwback Fashion Show Co-Commentators- Delores Rice-Freeman and Lee Rainer-‘64
The Voice Hourly Karaoke-Harrisonites and Guests
Presentation of RBHHS Faculty and Staff-Second Vice-President Beatrice Jenkins-Davis and Willie Washington-‘70
Auction for Scholarships-Dr. Pennie King-Stallworth-‘70
National Officers-Nomination Chairperson-Winston Bernard Turner-‘68
Reunion Committee-BAA-Secretary and Election Chairperson-Kathy Lester-Dodd-‘71
Roll Call-National Secretary-Linnie Clark-Heard -‘72
Awards-First Vice-President-Catherine Jones-Satchell-‘69
Alma Mater-----------Harrison My Harrison-----------Written By Carrie B. White
(Tune: Marilyn My Marilyn)
Song Leader: Robert L. Wilburn, Sr.-‘57
Wear your favorite style from your school days at RBHHS.
Lucretia Horne-McDonald Worship and Memorial Service-‘55
Saturday, August 3, 2024
11:00 a.m.
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
1630 West Street
Blytheville, AR 72315
Rev. Bennie L. Washington, Pastor
THEME: “Spirit of the Harrisonites”
Theme Song: Glory, Glory Hallelujah- By Julia Ward-Howe
Praise and Worship.............................Community Choir
Minister of Music-Marilyn McNear
Musician-Michael Lofton
Worship Leaders......………………………...Dr. Pennie King-Stallworth-‘70
Scripture…Galatians…5:13-26…………...Rev. Michael Dandridge-‘67
Prayer………………………………………..…….William “Billy” Young-’68
Musical Selection……………………………...Community Choir
Welcome…………………………………………..Norma J. Valley-‘74
Musical Selection………………………………Community Choir
Offering..............................................Greeters/Finance Committee
Introduction of Speaker…………………...Pastor Ivory Diamond-’68 Amazing Grace………………………………...Congregation
Speaker…...........................................Pastor Ralph Edward Diamond-‘67
Unity On Fire Worship
3636 Hunter Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64129
Musical Selection................................Community Choir
Presentation and Acknowledgements..President Geneva Aldridge-Harris-‘71
Scholarship Awards………………………….Correspondence Secretary-Sandra Thomas-King-‘66
In Memoriam.....................................2019-2024...Kenneth Keltner King-‘66
Announcements……………………….……...Secretary Linnie Clark-Heard – ‘72
Benediction………………………………….....Minister Ralph Edward Diamond-‘67
Program Committee
Norma J. Valley –Chairperson- ‘73
Geneva Aldridge-Harris –‘71
Marilyn McNear-Minister of Music
Finance Committee:
Kenneth Keltner King-Treasurer-’66 Roy Patton-’66 Elmer Davis- ’70 Henry Davis, Jr,’70
Greeters:
Jackie Seals, Alisha Williams, and Gwen Joe
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT
13. You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But, do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather serve one another humbly in love.
14. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
15. If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
18. But, if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20. Idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21. And envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22. But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness
23. Gentleness and self-control, against such things there is no law.
24. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25. Since, we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
26. Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other.
“Glory, Glory Hallelujah”
Or
“Battle Hymn of Republic”
Soong Leader: Robert L. Wilburn, Sr.-‘57
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored:
He hath loosed the fatal lightning and of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch fire of a hundred circling camps;
They have built Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps,
His Day is marching on.
I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished row of steel;
“As ye deal with my condemners’, so with you my grace shall deal;
Let the Hero, born of woman; crush the serpent with his heel,
Since God is marching on.”
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment-seat;
Oh! Be swift, my soul to answer Him! Be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom, that transfigures you and me:
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free.
While God is marching on.
Chorus:
Glory, glory hallelujah.
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah.
Our God is marching on.
HARRISONITES, INCORPORATED
ALUMNI BANQUET DINNER
Saturday, August 3, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Blytheville, AR 72315
Theme: “Spirit of the Harrisonites”
Theme Song: “Glory, Glory Hallelujah-By Julia Ward-Howe
Mistress of Ceremonies-Barbara McCollough-Walker-‘71
Welcome----------------------Bernice Jenkins-Staff Member-RBHHS
Invocation--------------------Idell Jenkins-Faculty Member-RBHHS
-Dinner-
Musical Selections---------------------------Dorothy Erby
Tribute to the Field of Medicine-Patricia Evans-Barnett and Frederick McCoy-‘66
Reflections------------------Dr. Anes Wiley-Abraham-‘68
Presentation/Remarks-Geneva Aldridge-Harris---‘71
Reunion Song----------------Battle Hymn of Republic/Glory, Glory Hallelujah
Song Leader: Robert L. Wilburn, Sr.-‘57
Closing Prayer-------------- Pastor Howard Smith, III-‘75
Dinner Menu
Mixed Green Salad
Pasta Salad
Entrée
Roast Prime Rib
Fried and Baked Chicken
Green Beans
Corn
Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes
Rolls
Dessert
Assorted
Beverage
Iced Tea
Lemonade
Dinner and Decorations Committee
Gloria Fair-’74
Geneva AldridgeHarris-Chairperson-‘71
Decorations: ML Creations, Décor Rental, and More- LaTonya Sanders
SPECIAL THANK YOU!
President Geneva Aldridge-Harris-Reunion Coordinator and Program Booklets- ‘71
Correspondence Secretary-Sandra Thomas-King-‘66
Treasurer, Webmaster and Power-Point Presentations-Kenneth Keltner King-‘66
Gloria Fair- Food Director-‘74
Sandra Thomas-King-’66 and Barbara Evans-’70-Souvenirs
Song Leader-Robert L. Wilburn, Sr.-‘57
Leona Bobo-Tate-‘64 and Dorothy Tate Johnson-’74- Continental Breakfast
Norma J. Valley-Worship and Memorial Service-‘73
Pastor Ralph Edward Diamond-Speaker for the Worship and Memorial Service-‘67
Pennie King-Stallworth- Scholarship Auction-‘70
Games-Joyce Cooper-Hunter-‘63
Marilyn McNear-Minister of Music Worship and Memorial Service
Michael Lofton-Musician-Worship and Memorial Service
Delores Rice-Freeman-‘64 and Winston Turner-’68-Reunion Donors
Registration Clerks and Greeters-Jackie Seals and Alisha Williams
Dorothy Erby-Special Soloist for Banquet Dinner
Blytheville Alumni Association of Harrisonites, Incorporated
Lamon and Latoria Gibson-Aldridge-Associate Members
Idell and Bernice Jenkins-Faculty and Staff of RBHHS
Blytheville Public Schools
EOC-Richard Berry Harrison Multipurpose Complex- Director Priscilla Johnson
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church- Rev. Bennie L. Washington, Pastor
Essence Event Center- John and Sherry Aldridge-Prunty-‘75
Bouvier’s Catering-Pennie Aldridge- Sims- Associate Member -BBQ and Banquet Dinner
Greg and Jacquelyn Harris-Burton-Associate Member-Fish Fry
OMG Thats Sweet-Shemika Sims-Jackson-Desserts
ML Creations & Décor Rental & More- LaTonya Sanders
Bradley’s Photograph-Dewayne Bradley-Class Photos
Corsages and Boutonnieres- Lucilla Joplin
D. J.-“Baby Dee”- Minnie Alexander
Dewitt Brooks -Sound System
Maitre D of the Banquet Dinner Wendy Rainer
Server and Greeter-Gwen Joe
Setup and Maintenance Charlie Jamison-‘75 and Kevin Orr
Harrisonites and Guests
Blytheville Alumni Association of Harrisonites, Incorporated
Reunion Committee 2024
Geneva Aldridge Harris, President-‘71
Stanley Jerome Dean-Vice President-‘71
Kathy Lester-Dodd Recording Secretay-‘71
Sandra Thomas-King-Correspondence Secretary -‘66
Joyce Cooper-Hunter-Alfred-Treasurer-‘63
Norma Valley-Financial Secretary-‘73
Deborah Howard-Brooks-Chaplin-‘74
Bobbie Trible-Diamond-Reporter-‘71
Bonnie Dodd-Dixon-Time Keeper-‘68
Kenneth Keltner King-‘66
Vernon Burton-‘65
Margo Gibson-Moore’69
Carol Murphy-Black-‘69
Leona Bobo-Tate-‘64
Linda Tate-Johnson-‘74
Wanda Bobo-Washington-‘61
Vivion Brown-Ware-‘55
Russell Ware-‘55
Sammy Dodd-‘66
Vera Hampton-Lucas-‘73
Linda Bedford-Williams-‘73
Margaret Howard-Brazeal-‘63
Cora Henry-John-‘68
John Quincy Diamond-‘71
Alex Mckinney-‘65
Andrew McKinney-‘69
Benjamin Moore-‘67
Loletha Davis-‘71
Howard Smith, III-‘75
RICHARD BERRY HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL
THE LITTLE SCHOOL ON ELM STREERT
HOME OF THE MIGHTY, MIGHTY DRAGONS
Classes of 1935-1975
HARRISONITES, INCORPORATED