Spotlight
Vehicle Expert John Cook and Family
August 14-18, 2024, was Dream Cruise 2024 weekend in metro Detroit. Our family from Denver visited Detroit to partake in the Dream Cruise festivities, just as they had in 2023, and for many years past. Cousins John Cook, a vintage car collector, enthusiast and expert, his wife Sheri, and daughter LaChaunda, made the annual trek from Denver to Detroit to drive their beautiful vehicle along the Dream Cruise route. John, Sheri, and LaChaunda, know everything there is to know about these special vehicles, and '56 seems to be John's favorite year for his vintage collection. In 2023, John and Sheri, brought their green and white Chevrolet Bel Air along for the ride, and this year a candy apple red (metallic) and white Bel Air. We were able to have a meal with them and enjoyed a Dream "Cruise" along the Woodward cruise route. We are grateful to be able to connect with them and create special memories. John is the 3rd GGson of Hardy and Mary Shelton, the 2nd GGson of Leroy and Fannie Cathey (Shelton), GGson of Oscar and Gracie Cook (Cathey), GSon of Algin and Georgia Cook (Potts), and son of John and Mattie Cook (Banks).
Wow, let's give a big round of applause to the Jadynce Blowe! Congratulations on your incredible achievements!
Congratulations, Jadynce! We are absolutely thrilled to announce that you are the recipient of the inaugural Hardy and Mary Shelton 1974 Academic Scholarship! Your passion for acting, dancing, and singing since age three has been truly inspiring, and we are so excited to see you pursue a degree in Theater Arts at Clark Atlanta University. With your continued community service engagement and participation in meaningful extra-curricular activities, we have no doubt you will make a positive impact on the world.
Empower
Growth
In spring 2024, the Shelton Descendants Historical Society sponsored a student's participation on the annual Rhonda Walker Foundation HBCU College Tour. Learn more about RWF below.
Hubbard Pryor - Civil War Veteran
Hubbard escaped enslavement in Georgia, enlisted in the 44th Colored Infantry of the Union Army, He, along with many other black soldiers were captured by the Confederate Army and forced to rebuild the railroads. This is Hubbard's story of survival and perseverance. Freemantown's William Thomas Freeman, and Freemantown Historical Foundation founder Cheryl Freeman Snipes are highlighted in this article, as well as the 44th USCT Reenactment Group.
Clipped from Atlanta Journal Constitution
February 18, 2024
Elouise Virginia Hudgins
WHAT AN HONOR!
Cousin Rhonda Dorsey-Prude shared this photo and historical information with us about her great aunt, our relative, Elouise Virginia Hudgins. On March 14, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden signed the bipartisan bill to award the all-black female WWII Unit known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion or the "Six-Triple-Eight" the Congressional Gold Medal. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award bestowed by the United States Congress for distinguished achievements by individuals or institutions. The 6888th was active in 1945-1946 and comprised of 855 primarily black women in the Women's Army Corps, commanded by Army Major Charity Adams. The women were chosen to ensure that the backlog of 17 million letters and packages in Europe for our seven million military members made it to their final destinations. The motto of the 6888th was "No mail, low morale." Tyler Perry is producing a movie that will bring the service of these honorable women to life.
Our family member, Private First Class Elouise V. Hudgins is among the 855 distinguished women, of which, a half-dozen or so are still living. Elouise is the daughter of Nelson and Minnie Spruce Hudgins. Minnie (pictured below) is the daughter of Harper Spruce and Kittie Cathey. Harper Spruce is the brother of Irvin Spruce. Harper and Irvin are the sons of Currell and Martha Duke Spruce.
Read more about the fabulous women of the 6888th below.
For More Information Check out the Links Below:
Movie Premier - December 6, 2024
6888th Central Directory Postal Battalion Roster
(All Women)
https://www.womenofthe6888th.org/list-of-6888th-veterans
The 6888 Postal Directory Battalion- Heroes of World War II
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSiFh85SkEw
Terry Crews Narration of the 6888th Central Postal Directory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmLH1dlh7RE
Six Tripple Eight: Tyler Perry's take of the true story
https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/tyler-perry-new-netflix-movie-six-triple-eight
CONGRATULATIONS!
SDHS is proud to announce that on November 2, 2023, the 44th Regiment of United States Colored Troops Reenactment Group received an NAACP Image Award, from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Branch, for their outstanding work as Civil War re-enactors. This award is a true testament to the dedication of its members, who strive to create an authentic and educational experience for all who attend their events. The group was founded 15 years ago by member Donald Tatum, and has 15 members.
Pictured at the Chattanooga National Cemetery - left to right: Robert Phillips, Emanuel Roland, Donald Tatum, Joyce Allgood, and Phillip Henderson, whose 3rd Great Grandfather, Thomas Freeman, served with the 44th Regiment! Phillip is also the 3rd Great Grandson of Hardy and Mary Shelton (photos courtesy of Phillip Henderson).
