In the final episode of our Power of Home 3-part podcast series, we explore the untold stories of school integration in Caruthersville, Missouri. Trailblazer Brenda Cooke Hundley, who integrated Caruthersville High School in 1964, is joined by Willie “Will” Campbell Jr., a 2025 graduate of the same school, for a powerful cross-generational conversation. Guiding the dialogue is Dr. Gerceida Jones, one of threeBlack children chosen to integrate the white elementary school at the time Brenda was breaking barriers at the high school.

This episode blends personal history, civil rights reflection, and modern perspective, offering listeners an eye-opening discussion on how education, resilience, and community shape lives across generations.

👩🏾 About Brenda Cooke Hundley

Integrated Caruthersville High School in 1964

• 
  

• Earned a bachelor’s in European History from Wichita State University

• 30+ year career as a property manager in New York City

• Longtime docent and interpreter of slavery in Northern colonies at Philipsburg Manor, Philipse Manor Hall, and the American Museum of Natural History

• Retired in 2024; continues museum interpretation work in New York

👩🏾‍🔬 About Dr. GerceidaJones

• Born and raised in Caruthersville, MO

• Selected as one of three Black children to integrate the white elementary school

• Graduated from Caruthersville High School in 1973

• Earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan, becoming the first African American to concentrate in Physical Oceanography

• Holds both a Master’s and Doctorate in Fluid Dynamics from New York University

• Currently teaches Astronomy at NYU and resides in Queens, NY

🎓 About Willie “Will”Campbell Jr.

• 2025 graduate of Caruthersville High School

• Passionate about podcasting and film

• Plans to attend Jackson State University (Mississippi) to pursue a bachelor’s in Journalism and Film Studies

📢 Join theConversation

Do you have a similar story of school integration, resilience, or community history? Share it with us on our website: Women of the Word.
💌 Or email us at wordconsultingllc@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Emunah Podcast to keep receiving inspiring stories that explore the many ways to live God-honoring lives.

📺 Catch Up on theSeries

• Episode 1 – Growing Up Bootheel: Eight Stories of Strength
  Watch here

• Episode 2 – Faith in the Bootheel: Segregation, Survival, and Strength
  Watch here

The “Power of Home” live podcast taping in Caruthersville, Missouri, now moves to Episode 2 – Faith in the Bootheel: Segregation, Survival and Strength. Seven different individuals remember what it was like growing up Black in Southeast Missouri. Besides the Host Tamara Henry, other hometown heroes are:

Brian Sidney Presberry attended Washington Elementary School until integration took place during his fourth-grade year. His family then moved to Jefferson City, and he graduated from Jefferson City High School in May 1978. Brian attended Lincoln University on an athletic scholarship, excelling in both basketball and track and field. He became a two-time All-American in track and earned all-state first-team honors in basketball. He graduated from Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration.

Terrance D. Hubbard graduated in 1970 from Caruthersville High School. He worked for 36 years in the areas ofMortuary Science, Forensic Medicine, and autopsy pathology in the states of Illinois and Wisconsin, until his retirement. He received formal training at the Warsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and worked as an independent forensic autopsy assistant for the Waukesha County Medical Examiner's in Waukesha, WI. He is an Army veteran and a deacon at Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Milwaukee.

Margaret “Peaches” Fields is a long-time resident of Caruthersville, although she was born in the Mississippi Delta. She earned her GED in 1978 and an associate’s degree in early childhood education from the Mississippi County Community College (now known as Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville, AR). In May 2016, she earned a bachelor’s at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO. She worked for more than 44 years in various capacities for the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Cooperation, retiring as the Caruthersville Head Start Center supervisor in 2009. She lives in Caruthersville.

Larry Jones, a talented visual artist, graduated from Caruthersville HS in 1969. He earned a Bachelor’s from Lincoln University in 1973. Larry spent 14 years working as a freelance artist in the Chicago area and served as a graphic designer, compositor, and illustrator for the PioneerPress from 1979 to 1987. From 1998 to 2003, he worked as a Youth Development Professional at the Boys and Girls Club of the Bootheel. He then taught art in the Hayti, Missouri Public Schools from 2004 until his retirement in 2016.

Leola Lasley Agnew is the wife of John Agnew, Jr., who served as president of the Washington School Reunion several years. She lives in Caruthersville.

Deloise “Presberry/Brown” Williams is a retired Registered Nurse who was born in Eudora, Mississippi, and raised in Caruthersville. After high school, she married Richard "Rickey" Williams, and they traveled during his military service. She spent 20 years gaining Civil Service experience in diverse fields. She attended Central Methodist University, Fayette, Missouri, and Lincoln U to become a Registered Nurse. Additionally, she was hired as Assistant Nurse Manager at St. Mary's Hospital and then director of Medical Services at Lincoln University. Later, she worked as Assistant Division Director of Medical and Mental Health Services for the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Emunah Podcast opens its 5th season (August 15, 2025) with a special live-taped series, The Power of Home. Episode One, “Growing Up Bootheel – Seven Stories of Strength,” was recorded in Caruthersville, MO, the heart of Missouri’s Bootheel.

This episode explores how home—the place where we grew up—teaches lessons that prepare us for life’s trials, triumphs, and future opportunities. Through seven inspiring stories, listeners will hear how resilience, faith, and community shaped the lives of hometown heroes from the Bootheel.

The Bootheel of Missouri has a rich history shaped by resilience, community, and faith. This episode highlights the voices of African American leaders, educators, pastors, and professionals who grew up in Caruthersville and nearby towns, many of them navigating segregation, integration, and generational change.

Their stories reflect not only personal strength but also the enduring power of home.

Mamie Walton was a 10th-grade student at Washington High School (during segregation) before moving to St. Louis in 1968. She graduated from Soldan High School and the Homer G. Phillips Hospital School of Nursing. After earning her BA from the College of St. Francis, Mamie served as a Registered Nurse for 50 years before retiring in O’Fallon, MO.

Granddaughter of James Ross Sr., founder of Rosses Grocery Store, Betheria Charles is a proud Caruthersville High School graduate. With a BS from the University of Phoenix and computer technology training in Kansas City, she went on to work as a legal secretary, launch a Girls’ Group Home, and run a Self-Sufficiency facility. She now lives in Colorado Springs, CO.

Rev. Hood has pastored St. James Word of Faith Church & Outreach Ministries in Hayti, MO since 1985. In addition to his ministry, he has served as a Caruthersville City Councilman (Ward #1) since 2007 and as Mayor Pro Tem since 2021. He holds a Doctor of Divinity and is also a local business owner and former Missouri Youth Services employee.

Ronald Nelson attended Washington School until integration and graduated from Caruthersville High School. He went on to earn degrees from Lincoln University (BA) and the University of Missouri (MA). Ronald worked as a counselor for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and retired after decades of service to education. He lives in Jefferson City, MO.

Kenneth Simmons served four years in the U.S. Air Force before working 35 years with the Department of Defense. A certified aircraft sheet metal mechanic, he also worked as an Operations Research Analyst at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. Kenneth earned his BA from Park College in Parkville, MO, and traveled the world as a technical expert before retiring.

A graduate of Hayti North High School and Lincoln University, Iva Presberry felt a call to missionary work in 1971. She earned advanced degrees, including a Master’s from SIU–Edwardsville and an Associate’s in Deaf Communications Studies. Together with her husband, she co-founded Hope for Caribbean Kids, Inc., combining faith and education in lifelong service.

Richard Presberry graduated from Caruthersville High School with honors in 1967 and went on to earn a PhD in 1987. His career in education and rehabilitation spanned roles at Lincoln University, the University of Missouri, and the Missouri Department of Higher Education. Alongside his wife Iva, Richard co-founded Hope for Caribbean Kids, Inc. They continue their ministry and missionary work from Jefferson City, MO.

Kenneth Tipler attended Washington schools before graduating from Caruthersville High School in1968. He eventually landed in Seattle, WA and began his career with the Seattle Fire Department as a Firefighter Recruit. He advanced to Lieutenant in 1982, Captain in 1986, Battalion Chief in 1997, Deputy Chief in 2002, and Assistant Chief in 2003, and eventually Fire Marshal. He retired after 33 years.

👉 Don’t miss the rest of The Power of Home series—subscribe to Emunah Podcast.

This episode first aired on January 12, 2024

Do you know what a “love offering” is — or what it means to be “washed in the blood”?

In this episode of Emunah, your hosts Tamara and Charisse tackle the confusing and sometimes alienating world of Christian jargon — those insider phrases that can leave newcomers scratching their heads.

Jargon is simply “special words or expressions used by a particular group that are difficult for outsiders to understand.” Think of it as church shoptalk — but shoptalk shouldn’t get in the way of sharing Jesus plainly and clearly.

Tamara and Charisse share their commitment to cut through confusing language and speak in everyday English. As Jesus said in John 16:25: “I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way but will tell you plainly about the Father.”

At Emunah, our goal is to build a welcoming community of listeners who want sound, Bible-based teaching and honest conversations about living for Jesus. That means setting aside worn-out phrases that can keep people at arm’s length — and explaining the ones we do use.

In this episode, you’ll hear explanations for common but often misunderstood church words, including:

Worldly — Anything in society that leaves God out of the picture or goes against His ways. (1 John 2:15–17)

Salvation/Being Saved — Being rescued from the penalty of sin through the forgiveness Jesus provides. We are reconciled to God and freed from sin’s hold by His grace alone. (Romans 5:9–10)

Sin — Any action, thought, or choice that breaks God’s laws or ignores His will.

Pure Heart — Choosing to reject impure or sinful thoughts and guarding your heart so it stays clean before God. (Psalm 51:10; Matthew 5:8; Proverbs 4:23)

Old Man / New Man — The “old man” is your life before Christ, ruled by selfish desires. The “new man” is the life you live after choosing Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit toward holiness and righteousness. (Colossians 3:9–10)

We hope this episode inspires you to listen —and to share your thoughts and questions with us!

📧 Email us: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com
🌐 Visit our website: wordconsultingllc.com

Let’s keep the conversation clear, honest, and real — together.

Listen to other similar topics on Emunah: Is Your Mouth a Womb or a Tomb: With Apostle Victoria Lockhart. Speaking Like Jesus: Communicating Truth with Power and Love (set for July 18, 2025)

What Forgiveness Is Not: Hard Truths About Healing and Letting Go – with Bro. D & Minister Eugene Howie

In this thought-provoking follow-up to our April 18 episode on Forgiveness, Emunah returns with Brother D and Minister Eugene Howie of First Baptist Church of Glenarden International for a deeper, more honest conversation about what forgiveness is — and what it is not.

Does forgiveness mean you must deny or downplay the seriousness of the harm done to you? Is it possible to forgive without restoring the relationship? And how do we take real steps toward forgiveness — especially when the wound is deep?

With heartfelt insight, scriptural clarity, and personal reflection, Bro. D and Minister Howie tackle these difficult questions and share their favorite Bible verses about forgiveness, helping listeners reflect on the spiritual power and emotional challenges of letting go.

📖 Colossians 3:13 (Amplified) — "Bear graciously with one another...just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive."
📖 Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) — "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for..."
📖 Philippians 1:6 (NLT) — "God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work..."
📖 Luke 6:37 (NIV) — "Do not judge...Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

• 💡 Key Bible Principles on Forgiveness from This Episode🗝️ Takeaways from this episode: Forgiveness does not require you to ignore or excuse wrongs.

• • Forgiveness does not always mean reconciliation.

  • We forgive because God forgave us first — it's an act of faith, not just feeling.

  • Forgiveness includes a change of heart and trust in God's justice.

  • You can forgive and still protect your peace and boundaries.

  At Emunah, our mission is to help African American believers, especially older adults and those unchurched, grow in faith, healing, and spiritual understanding. We encourage you to pray over these scriptures, reflect on your journey, and trust God as He walks with you through the process of forgiveness.

  🙏 Share your story or questions:
  💬 Email us at wordconsultingllc@gmail.com
  🌐 Leave a testimony at https://wordconsultingllc.com

  📅 Originally aired: April 12, 2024
  🎧 Listen to our previous episode on forgiveness (April 18, 2025) for even more insight.

Is Your Mouth a Womb or a Tomb? — The Power of Words, Self-Talk & Faith with Apostle Victoria Lockhart

In this enlightening episode of Emunah — a faith podcast uplifting African American believers and seekers — host Tamara Henry sits down with Apostle Victoria Lockhart of Jersey City, New Jersey to explore the transformative power of words, self-talk, and mindful speech.

Together, they unpack the biblical foundation of communication, the spiritual weight our words carry, and how faith helps us speak life rather than death into our situations. Drawing from her powerful 21-day devotional, Is Your Mouth a Womb or a Tomb?, Apostle Lockhart shares her personal journey and practical wisdom for Christians who want to use their words to heal, build, and bless.

Listeners will discover how our thoughts and daily self-talk shape our emotions, actions, and relationships. Apostle Lockhart urges believers to “ponder before speaking,” reminding us that careless words can wound, while faith-filled words can frame our reality and shape our destiny.

Key takeaways from this conversation:
✔️ Our thoughts and self-talk shape our emotions and actions.
✔️ The power of words can bless or curse — choose to bless.
✔️ Pondering before speaking can prevent harm and regret.
✔️ Words frame our reality and influence our future.
✔️ Faith in God guides us to speak with wisdom and love.

A gifted singer and anointed preacher, Apostle Lockhart dedicated her life to the Lord in 1989. She is the founder of Club Christ Ministries, a Bible-based evangelistic outreach serving the U.S. and the global marketplace through preaching and music ministry.

👉 Find Is Your Mouth a Womb or a Tomb? and Apostle Lockhart’s other books on Amazon. Connect with her directly at victoriacity21@gmail.com.

Emunah is your faith-based podcast for honest conversations, spiritual encouragement, and real stories for African Americans seeking a deeper walk with God. Share your thoughts, testimonies, and questions at wordconsultingllc@gmail.com or visit https://wordconsultingllc.com to leave a testimony and connect with our growing community.

As Season 4 draws to a close, Samara and Shylah briefly assess their accomplishments this school year. Samara shares how the year started with few friends sprinkled with bouts of bullying but is ending with top grades and a new sense of self. After high school, she aspires to attend Yale University. Shylah also had a productive year at middle school and is aiming for Duke Ellington School of the Arts – the only public high school in the District of Columbia to offer a dual curriculum integrating college-preparatory academics with pre-professional arts training in Dance, Instrumental Music, Cinematic Arts & Media Production, Museum Studies, Technical, Design & Production, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Vocal Music.

The theme: Conquering Your School with God by Your Side. This episode is not just for the girls – it’s for moms, grandmas, aunties, uncles, and all the grown folks helping raise and guide this next generation.

The girls also share their scriptures, including Psalms 12:2 and 46:1, and complete one round of Yah or Nay. A new segment is “Finish the Lyrics.” Listen in for a fun time remembering Christian and Gospel songs.

The girls also suggest some summer activities:

ü Baking with easy recipes for family meals and snacks, or to give away to the homeless or less fortunate.

ü Making a prayer list of folk you know going through a hard time.

ü Taking a walk.

ü Compiling a playlist that can be listened to while doing chores or running errands.

ü Having a movie night with family.

ü Committing to starting the morning with prayer and worship.

ü Picking up a Bible and reading different sections.

ü Taking a prayer nature walk, without a phone, to commune with God, like you would a friend.

ü Attending church or streaming a service

ü Fasting from social media a few hours a day or week.

Emunah is interested in your comments, reactions, advice, and suggestions. Email us at wordconsultingllc@gmail.com. Leave a testimony on the Women of the Word website: https://wordconsultingllc.com.