BLACK HISTORY

1856

FREDERICK DOUGLASS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF FREEDMAN BANK AND TRUST

The Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company was established as a secure banking institution where Black soldiers could save their money and also to encourage the African-American community to save. President Abraham Lincoln signed a law incorporating it on March 3, 1865. On Feb. 16, 1856, Frederick Douglass was elected president of the then-failing bank.

Freedman’s opened 37 branches in 17 states between 1865 and 1871, taking in more than $2.9 million in deposits. Due to mismanagement, the money was lost, Douglass invested $10,000 of his own money in the institution, unaware that its solvency was uncertain. In June 1874, he petitioned Congress to close the bank.

1923

BESSIE SMITH MAKES FIRST RECORDING

One of the most famed Blues vocalists of all time, Bessie Smith recorded her first record-breaking popular tune, “ “Down Hearted Blues” on February 16, 1923. The recording sold over 800,000 copies for Columbia Records, making Smith the most successful African American performing artist of her time. Smith made 160 recordings during her heyday and performed with some of the great jazz giants of the 1920’s and 30’s, including Louis Armstrong.

Ebenezer

“We

Tate

SUNRISE 07/12/1987

SUNSET 01/15/2023

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held on 01/30/2023 at Greater St. Luke COGIC with a burial following at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Jameson Antwuan Tate was born July 12, 1987, to Kelly Susanne Alexander and James Allen Tate. Jameson attended school in Tierrasanta from Hancock Elementary to De Portola Middle, to Serra High School. He graduated from Bonita High, class of 2005. Jameson attended Southwestern College while in the process of getting his associate’s degree in radiology. He received his medical certification in phlebotomy. Jameson grew up in church and loved the Lord. He attended Missionary COGIC, Pray Center, and Greater Saint Luke COGIC. Jameson was exceptionally talented in everything. He had an extraordinary voice and loved music. Jameson was cherished by all of his family members and friends.

Jameson loved his family and he loved people. His wife was the love of his life and his son was his mini-me. He was so proud and amazed at how his child looked just like him. He was an active father and was very involved in his son’s life.

Jameson was a leader and influenced a lot of people in a positive way with his charismatic, loving, giving, selfless personality and loving spirit. He was a rock for many people, but he knew his Rock was Jesus Christ. Jameson rededicated his life to God on April 10, 2021, and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

On January 15, 2023, Jameson was called home to rest. Jameson leaves behind to mourn his passing, his beloved mother Kelly Alexander Scott, his father James Tate, his siblings Kaalana Ware and Waylin Scott, his wife Leah Butler, and their son Jameson Tate Jr., and a host of family and friends who loved him very much.

Lodge-Vaughan

SUNRISE 07/01/1954

SUNSET 01/02/2023

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held on 02/03/2023 at Eritrean Kidane Mehret Church, with a burial following at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Shewhat Arefine Woldeyohannes was born on September 15, 1965, to Ato Arefine Woldeyewhans and Weuzero Hiriyti Habte in Asmara (Gejeret).

When she became old enough to attend school, Shewhat studied at Mekelle Elementary School in Tigray, then later went to Red Sea High School in Asmara. While studying in Asmara, the government (Derg) offered her a scholarship in 1985 to learn about shoe design and fabric creation in Bulgaria. After attending school in Bulgaria, she went to Greece in 1987 and later came to America in 1990 to begin her life in San Diego.

Everyone who knew Shewhat would describe her as a caring, gentle, loving, and social person. She was adored by many and thoughtful in the way she interacted with her peers. Shewhat married her husband Ato Daniel Afewerki on November 4, 1955, and later welcomed their three children: Erota, Alex and Keren. She had a beautiful relationship with her family and loved them deeply. Shewhat is survived by her mother, Hiriyti; husband, Daniel; children, Erota, Alex, and Keren; siblings, Lia, Daniel, and Aster; two brothers-in-law, Fassil and Benyam; sister-in-law, Seble Sifu; nieces, Josen, Sosina, Delina, and Heaven; and nephews, Hermon, Joel, Natnael, and Mikiyas.

Shewhat was very active in her community, specifically the Eritrean Women’s Association and many other Eritrean movements. She was a taxi owner operator with her husband when she suddenly became ill. During her treatment, Shewhat was surrounded by many loved ones. Unfortunately, due to complications of her illness, she passed away on January 15, 2023. Shewhat will be missed by her family and her community, and her legacy will continue through the lives of everyone she touched.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held on 02/09/2023 at Memory Chapel of Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary. Albert Burnette Hopkins, known as Bubba to his siblings and close relatives and Hop or Hoppy to everyone else, was born January 11, 1944, in Athens Texas to Albert Hopkins and Willie Allen Baxter/Hopkins. He was the second of five children, Billie, Thelma, Ida and Leslie Hopkins. The family moved to San Diego in 1942 to get out of the South where there was too much racism and to get a better life.

Albert attended Chesterton Elementary School, Dana Junior High, Point Loma and Lincoln High School where he completed his education. He was married once to Marcia Hopkins/Covington and she will always be the love of his life. They had a son together and he was a father to her three other children as well. He worked for Convair/General Dynamics for several years. Albert accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Bethel Baptist Church. He was taught to fish at an early age and became known as the “Bluegill King!” He could catch, clean, fillet, and cook ‘em so good it made you crazy for more! His other passion was going to the Tijuana race tracks and the sportsbook to place bets. His laugh was one you never forgot.

On Thursday, January 19, 2023, he went to join his family who preceded him in passing. He is survived by his ex-spouse Marcia Covington; brother Leslie Hopkins (Grapevine, TX); daughters Yolonda & Vontina Hopkins; son Albert (Bubby) Hopkins and spouse Nikita Hopkins; step kids Eric Smith, Monecia Smith and Shayla Ward. His grandchildren, Shnika Spearman, Anthony Spearman, Chrissy Ford, Kevin Hopkins, Albert Hopkins V, Nassir WoodsHopkins, Namir Woods-Hopkins and Nala Woods-Hopkins; great-grandchildren Royale Clark, Josiah Allen Calhoun, Lauryn Calhoun, Quan “Q” Crumbley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other family members and friends. He

May Time

Soften Your Pain

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held on 02/10/2023 at Memory Chapel of Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Wanda Lorraine Lodge-Vaughan was born in Pensacola, Florida on July 1, 1954, to William S. Lodge and Adelene Lodge. Not long after her birth, her family relocated to San Diego where she was raised and spent the rest of her life. She was one of seven daughters out of the eight children blessed through their union: Gloria, Stephanie, Gwendolyn, Yvonne, Belinda, Velecia, and her brother Charles.

Wanda attended local elementary schools, O’Farrell Junior High, and Morse High school all in San Diego, California. After her formal education, she was extremely determined to go to college, where she earned a master’s degree.

Wanda gave birth to Adelene Patrice Adams, Maurice M. Adams, Israel Garcia III and Bennie Gardner Jr. Wanda was a very determined and committed woman who successfully maneuvered through the workforce by first obtaining employment in the medical field from 1981 to 1985. From there she took a position with Douglas Oden and Green Attorneys at Law as their legal secretary from 1985 to 1987. She had a passion to make a difference in her community, so Wanda joined the team at the Encanto Boys and Girls Club. Wanda progressed from the Critical Hours Program Director to becoming the Branch Director and in 1997 she was appointed Vice President for Community.

Sadly, the sun set on this bright life on January 2, 2023. She is proceeded in passing by her father William S. Lodge; mother Adelene Lodge; sisters Yvonne and Gwendolyn; grandfather Frank Justice; grandmother Ida Mae Walker; aunts Willie B Nelson, Peggy Nelson “Baby” and Annie Justice “Big Mama”.

She leaves behind to mourn her passing her children, Adelene Patrice Adams, Maurice M. Adams, Israel Garcia III and Bennie Gardner Jr.; sisters Gloria, Stephanie, Belinda, Velecia; brother Charles; step-brother Danny; grandchildren Charles, John, Anitra, Danielle, Vincent, Mario, Kelli, Ryder, Lai-auna, Bryson and Bryton; great-grandchildren Julian, Savannah, Vincent, Cruz, Nyla, Noah, Jezelle, Josiah, McKynlee and Tammy; and a host of friends nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In times of darkness, love sees… In times of silence, love hears... In times of doubt, love hopes… In times of sorrow, love heals... And in all times, love remembers. May time soften the pain Until all that remains Is the warmth of the memories And the love.