The Alford family proudly cheers the tremendously gifted, hardworking, and EXTRAORDINARY class of 2023. We would like to congratulate all 36 of our Alford graduates. Education is one of the cornerstones for the advancement of our family. Whether you have completed high school, college, grad school or trade school, we celebrate your success. Your Alford ancestors paved the way so that you could run the race. Keep striving for success, we will be watching and cheering! Please review the list of graduates below.
Joshua L. Bradley
Joshua L. Bradley graduated from Langston University on May 6, 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Recreation. He will be pursuing a career in education as a high school football and basketball coach.
Joshua is the son of Deandra Bradley & Rev. Johnnie Bradley; Grandson of Kathryn Emery-Hammons & Rev. Hersey Hammons, II; Great-Grandson of Erma Alford-Emery & the late Rev L.C. Emery; Great-Great-Grandson of Charlie Alford & Aselee Roberts-Alford; Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Wesley Dow Alford & Annie Cyrus-Gordon; and Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Dierre Olden
Hats off to Dierre Olden who graduated from Holdenville High School on May 12, 2023. Dierre was the recipient of the USA sports scholarship, Seminole state college gear-up scholarship, recognition of university scholarship, and Oklahoma promise recognition award. Additionally, he was recognized as the teammate of the year in basketball, co-mvp in football, 1st team offensive line in football, and state qualifier 275lb division in powerlifting.
Dierre will be attending Oklahoma Panhandle State University where he was awarded a full scholarship to play defensive lineman for the Aggies. We will be watching and cheering him on!
Dierre is the son of Shameila J Alford and Steven Olden; Grandson of Earl Lee Alford & Rena Bruner-Alford; Great-Grandson of Edward "Big Ace" Alford, Sr. & LeeAnn Smith-Alford; Great-Great-Grandson of George Alford & Bernice Noble-Alford; Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Wesley Dow Alford & Annie Cyrus-Gordon; and Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry.
Lauren Dooley
This amazing young lady Mastered It! Congratulations to Lauren Dooley who completed her Masters in Sports Management from the University of Kansas on May 12, 2023. Her future plans are work for a professional sports team.
Lauren is the daughter of Erika Alford-Dooley & Dallas Fire Battalion Chief Antoine Dooley; Granddaughter of Sylvester Alford, II, & Eileen Alford; Great-Granddaughter of Sylvester Clement Alford & Decker Mae Russell; Great-Great-Granddaughter of Wesley Dow Alford & Emily Dunlap-Alford; and Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Kaylee Alford
She did it!!! Please congratulate Kaylee Alford who graduated from Bristow High School on May 12, 2023. Our new graduate plans to attend The University of Oklahoma and major in Psychology this fall.
Kaylee is the daughter of Darryl Alford & Lora Alford; Granddaughter of John “J.T.” Thead Alford, Sr. & Emma Alford; Great-Granddaughter of Emmitt L. Alford & Ida Johnson-Alford; Great-Great-Granddaughter of Lafayette “Fate” Alford & Martha Griffiths.
Julius Madison
Today we celebrate Julius Madison who graduated from Putnam City High School on May 12, 2023. He will be attending The University of Oklahoma this fall. Great job Julius!
Julius is the son of Tela S. Madison and Julius Newman; Grandson of Sherry Madison-Whitfield and Leon Jackson; Great-Grandson of Audrey Colbert-Heath and James Madison; Great-Great-Grandson of Odessa Alford-Colbert and William Colbert; Great-Great-Great-Grandson of George Alford & Bernice Noble-Alford; Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Wesley Dow Alford and Annie Cyrus-Gordon; and Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Janai Cynthia Garvis
We are shouting from the rooftops to congratulate Janai Cynthia Garvis! She graduated from Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota on Saturday, May 13, 2023 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Janai is a Cum Laude grad and deans scholar.
Janai is the daughter of Shamim Garvis & Leon Garvis; Granddaughter of David Carter & Cindy Carter; Great-Granddaughter of Antonia Alford-Carter & Carl Leon Carter; Great-Great-Granddaughter of James Willie Alford & Lydia Thibodeaux-Alford; and Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Lafayette “Fate” Alford.
We are so proud to announce the graduation of Adrianne Jennings, daughter of Adrian Jennings & Tiffany Jennings and Daphine Doakes; Granddaughter of Lois Golden-Jennings & Adrian Jennings Sr.; Great-Granddaughter of Carl Namon Jennings & Sophia Eddington-Jennings; Great-Great-Granddaughter of Effie Alford-Jennings & Anderson Jennings; and Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford. She will accept her M.Ed of Special Education Mild/Moderate Disabilities from the University of Central Oklahoma on Friday, May 13, 2023.
Adrianne was recently inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, one of the most prestigious educational honor societies, for her academic achievements. She currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Langston University and a Masters of Science in Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University. Adrianne plans to continue her education by pursuing a Doctoral degree.
She has worked so hard to reach her goals. We are so thankful that the Lord has always made a way. Please help us to congratulate her on her academic endeavours!!! #shemastereditx2
Roya Fallis Adrienne Revels
Please join us in celebrating Roya Fallis Adrienne Revels, who graduated from Edmond Santa Fe High School on May 13, 2023. Roya is a National Honor Society member, Distinguished African-American Award Recipient, Oklahoma Honor Society Award Recipient, maintained a 4.0 GPA for 2022 school year, and she is an amazingly gifted artist.
Roya will be attending to Oklahoma State University (Stillwater), and majoring in Studio Art, while also studying pre-art therapy as her minor. Her plan is to pursue a career as licensed Art Therapist after completing her master's degree.
Roya is the daughter of Roma Barnett Revels & Roy Revels; Granddaughter of Linda Faye Jennings-Barnett & Robert Barnett; Great-Granddaughter of Carl Namon Jennings, Sr. & Sophia Eddington-Jennings; Great-Great-Granddaughter of Effie Alford-Jennings & Anderson J. Jennings; Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Dakotay Salton
We are so proud of Dakotay Salton who graduated from Insight High School of Kansas in Spring Hill, Kansas. Dakotay has received a scholarship and will be attending Wichita State University, majoring in Cybersecurity this fall.
Dakotay is the son of Brandon Salton & the late Kathleen Foster-Salton; Grandson of Aaron Eugene Salton Jr.; Great-Grandson of Aaron Eugene Salton Sr & Cecile Richardson Salton; Great-Grandson of Margie Bell-Salton & Nelson David Salton; Great-Great-Grandson of Lusinda Alford-Bell & Ivory Bell; and Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Sariah Hull
We celebrate the graduation of Sariah Hull who graduated from The University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) on May 15, 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Pre-Med. Sariah is an active member of Chi Omega Sorority and board member of Diversity & Inclusion at KU.
Sariah is the daughter of Gary Dean Hull, Jr and Monica Hartley; Granddaughter of Pam Gonzales and Gary Dean Hull, Sr; Great-Granddaughter of Junious Lee "Amos" Alford & Shirley Alford; Willie Lafayette "Cracker" Alford & Helen Barnett-Alford; and Lafayette "Fate" Alford & Jennie Avance-Alford.
Earnest Reshawn Watson, III
We are so proud of Earnest Reshawn Watson, III who graduated on May 17, 2023 from Tulsa Edison High School. Our new graduate will be attending Tulsa Welding School this fall.
Earnest is the son of Erica Dreadybear Alford and Earnest Reshawn Watson II; Grandson of Almetrice Alford-Tottress; Great-Grandson of John “J.T.” Thead Alford, Sr. & Emma Alford; Great-Great-Grandson of Emmitt L. Alford & Ida Johnson-Alford; and Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Lafayette “Fate” Alford & Martha Griffiths.
Major Leonard Alford, Jr.
It is time to celebrate Major Leonard Alford, Jr. who graduated from California State University at Sacramento on May 19, 2023 with a Bachelor’s of Business Management Degree.
Major Leonard Alford, Jr. is the son of Major Alford & Michelle Hassan-Alford; Grandson of Major D. Alford, Jr. & Henrietta Alford; Great-Grandson of Major “Datey Alford, Sr. & Savernia Fields-Alford; and Great-Great Grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Minnie Jennings-Alford.
Brandon Dylan Weldon, Jr.
Get ready for Brandon Dylan Weldon, Jr. who was signed to play professional football for the Calgary Stampeders! The cherry on top is, on May 20, 2023 Brandon will complete his Masters Degree from Sacramento State University. We are all extremely proud!
Brandon Jr. is the son of Brandon Weldon, Sr.; Grandson of Willie Ray Weldon, Jr. and Janice Boyd-Weldon; Great-Grandson of the late Willie Ray Weldon, Sr. and Emma Lee Weldon; Great-Great-Grandson of Beatrice “Bea” Weldon & Roosevelt Weldon; Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Effie Alford-Jennings & Anderson Jennings; and Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
He is also the nephew of Valerie Weldon-Dabney, Brandee Alyce, Wells MP, and Maxine Weldon. And we cannot leave out his biggest cheerleader, grandma Janice Weldon.
Brianna Monique Brown
A huge “Congratulations!” goes to our Alford Family’s 2023 OU Graduate, Brianna Monique Brown. Brianna recently received her Bachelors of Arts in Journalism/Broadcasting Degree from the prestigious Gaylord College at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK on May 13, 2023. Brianna served as a Chapter President and is a current member of Theta Nu Xi, MultiCultural Sorority Inc. Brianna (aka Bri) has already started her career as a news reporter/anchor and recently spent her last senior semester news reporting at the Capitol with an Internship in Washington DC. She was also nominated for a Journalism Emmy. We are tremendously proud of her commitment, achievements, and her resilience greatly inspired by her rich heritage and legacy. Her late grandparents, Bobby Berry III and Elfreda Alford Patton Berry would be undoubtedly beaming with pride.
Brianna Brown is the Daughter of Shantel Berry; Granddaughter of the late Elfreda Alford Patton Berry & the late Bobby Berry III; Great-Granddaughter of the late Elizabeth Alford Patton & the late Johny Patton Sr.; Great-Great Granddaughter of James Willie Alford & Lydia Thibodeaux; and Great-Great-Great Granddaughter of Lafayette “Fate” Alford & Martha Griffiths.
She has done it again! We are jumping for joy because Taren Patterson received her second Master Degree, this time a Master of Public Administration M.P.A. from Wichita State University. On Saturday, May 13, 2023, with her handsome son’s, Kash & Kaden cheering her on, Taren made her way across the graduation stage to receive her diploma just like she said she would. Next stop - PhD!
Taren is daughter of Charlena Patterson; Granddaughter of Charlene “Shorty” Patterson & Vaughn Patterson, Sr.; Great-Granddaughter of Warren “Fred” Alford; Great-Great-Granddaughter of James Willie Alford & Lydia Thibodeaux; and Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Lafayette “Fate” Alford.
Anthony Dewayne Madison
Congratulations to Anthony Dewayne Madison who graduated from Boswell High School on May 13, 2023. Anthony will be attending Murray State College this fall. His career aspirations are to become an athletic coach.
Anthony is the son of Aki Madison and Bretney Ware, Grandson of Jamie Davis and James Keith Pittman; Great-Grandson of Audrey Colbert-Heath and James Madison; Great-Great-Grandson of Odessa Alford-Colbert and William Colbert; Great-Great-Great-Grandson of George Alford & Bernice Noble-Alford; Great-Great- Great-Great-Grandson of Wesley Dow Alford and Annie Cyrus-Gordon; and Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Aaliyah Williams
Congratulations to Aaliyah Williams who graduated on May 15, 2023 from Wichita Southeast High School. She is still narrowing down her college choices, but her future plan is to major in veterinary science.
Aaliyah is the daughter of Laquitta Bell-Parker & Lionel G. Parker, Jr.; Granddaughter of Raymond M. Bell & Angyla Roberts; Great-Granddaughter of Bennie Bell, Sr. & Dinetta Bell; Great-Great-Granddaughter of Willie C. Bell & Maggie Berry-Bell; Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Lusinda Alford-Bell & Ivory Bell; and Great-Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Antoine Dooley
Congratulations to Battalion Chief Antoine Dooley, who completed his Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas on May 15, 2023. Chief Dooley has served the Dallas Fire Department and community for 28 years. He is also a dedicated member Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Antoine Dooley is the husband of Erika Alford Dooley; who is the daughter of Sylvester Joe Keith Alford, II, & Eileen Alford; Granddaughter of Sylvester Clement Alford & Decker Mae Alford; Great-Granddaughter of Wesley Dow Alford & Emily Dunlap-Alford; and Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Daveon Martin
Three cheers for Daveon Martin who made his official graduation walk on May 15, 2023 from Simon Hall High School. He completed his studies in October 2022 and is already well on his way to completing dental assistant certification. Upon completion of the program, this bright young man will be heading off to college in Texas.
Daveon is the son of Bronta Nicole Bell and Dennis Martin Jr.; Grandson of Bennie Bell Jr. and Mary Barber; Great-Grandson of Bennie Bell, Sr. & Dinetta Bell; Great-Great-Grandson of Willie C. Bell & Maggie Berry-Bell; Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Lusinda Alford-Bell & Ivory Bell; and Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Congratulations to Lorenzo Butler who graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree on May 15, 2023. This fall he will pursue an additional degree in Interior Design at Seminole State College in Sanford, FL.
Lorenzo P. Butler is the son of Letha Bennett; Grandson of Lethan “Tuna” Anderson-Butler & Larry J. Butler; Great-Grandson of Ruby Alford-Anderson & Adam D. Anderson; and Great-Great-Grandson of Lafayette "Fate" Alford & Jennie Avance-Alford.
D'Mariaye Parks
Please give an Alford round of applause and congratulations to D'Mariaye Parks who will be graduating from Northeast Magnet High School on Wednesday May 17th @7pm. His future plans are to attend technical school in Kansas City after graduation.
D’Mariaye is the son of Julia Williams & Roshawn Williams; Grandson of Julius Alford & Mary Sue Alford; Great-Grandson of Junius “Amos” Alford & Sweet Alford; Great-Great-Grandson of Willie Lafayette “Cracker” Alford & Helen Barnett-Alford; Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Lafayette “Fate” Alford & Jennie Avance-Alford.
Vanessa Nicole Baker
We are excited to announce, Vanessa Nicole Baker graduated from Oberlin College (Oberlin, OH) on Monday, May 22, 2023 with Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Comparative American Studies. Our graduate is also a highly esteemed Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow. She is currently deciding between a career in academia as a professor or law school.
Vanessa is the daughter of April Alford; Granddaughter of George Alford and Lorraine Hudson; Great-Granddaughter of Major “Datie” Alford & Savernia Fields-Alford; and Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Minnie Jennings-Alford.
Taylor Alexandria Byrd
She is amazing and beautiful! Congratulations to Taylor Alexandria Byrd who graduated from Mansfield High School on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. This honors student graduated Cum Laude and led the Mansfield Tigers Varsity Soccer team. She will be attending the University of Texas at Arlington this fall to study nursing.
Taylor is the daughter of Bryan Byrd, Jr. & Hazel Byrd; Granddaughter of Dana Carter & Fred Carter and Bryan K. Byrd, Sr.; Great-Granddaughter of Nathaniel Alfred(Alford) & Gwen Dean; Great-Great-Granddaughter of Major “Datey” Alford & Velvet Mitchell; and Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Minnie Jennings-Alford.
Victor Ndale
The Alford family is happy to celebrate Victor Ndale, who graduated from Wichita Heights High School (Wichita, KS) on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Victor will be attending Butler Community College this fall where he plans to major in cyber security. Way to go Victor!
Victor is the son of Treanda NU Image R. Oliver-Carpenter; Grandson of Kimberly Yvette Crump and Alan T. Oliver, Sr.; Great-Grandson of Ercie Lee Bell-Hill & Lawrence Crump; Great-Great-Grandson of Daniel Bell & Viola Bell; Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Lucinda Bell & Ivory Bell; and Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Jordan Wayne Alford
Tears of joy and pride were shed Tuesday, May 23, 2023 when Jordan Wayne Alford aka Benny Escobar crossed the commencement stage. Jordan graduated from Wichita Heights High School (Wichita, KS). This star athlete is still finalizing his college plans and will be announcing them soon.
Jordan Wayne is the son of the late Wayne Keith Alford & Casondra Alford; Grandson of Pete J. Alford & Vera Alford; and Great-Grandson of Lafayette “Fate” Alford & Jennie Avance-Alford.
Naomi-Grace Jennings
All praises to God as He continues to bless & guide Naomi-Grace Jennings. Naomi walked onto the Harvard basketball team, (3yrs) and studied in Barcelona for a semester. She graduated from Harvard May 26th, 2023 with a BA in Government, Secondary in Afrikan American studies and a citation in Spanish. Bless give her a huge Alford round of applause!
Here is #Harvard2023 celebrating and showing off the culmination of their hard work! https://www.facebook.com/attorneycrump/videos/958935048760888
We pray/trust that God will continue to utilize all her talents in the years to come. She is the Daughter of Otis (Amoou Musuding) Jennings; Granddaughter of Everett Milton Jennings (Barbara); Great-Granddaughter of John D. Jennings (Vivian); Great-Great-Granddaughter of Effie Alford-Jennings (Anderson); and Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford (Lucy).
Sydnee Denise Robinson
Smart and speedy! Congratulations to Sydnee Denise Robinson, who graduated on May 24, 2023, from Omaha Harry A. Burke High School (Omaha, NE). She will be attending Garden City Community College in Kansas on a Track and Field Scholarship where she will major in Business Management.
Sydnee is the daughter of Corkie Robinson Jr. “Sugar Bear” & Yolanda Robinson; Granddaughter of Jewel Robinson & Corkie Robinson, Sr.; Great-Granddaughter of Scoby Alford, Sr. & Pearl Alford; and Great-Great-Granddaughter of Lafayette “Fate” Alford & Jennie Avance-Alford.
Aniyah Damonni Alford
Please join us in celebrating the graduation of Aniyah Damonni Alford from East View High School (Georgetown, TX) on May 27, 2023. We are pleased to announce that Aniyah has decided to serve her country by joining the United States Air Force. We salute and thank her for the commitment of service and wish her much success.
Aniyah Alford is the daughter Reginald D. Alford, Jr.; Granddaughter of Reginald Alford, Sr. and Tonya Alford; Granddaughter of James “J.W.” Alford, Sr. & Vinita Hicks; Great-Granddaughter of George Alford & Juanita Howard; Great-Great-Granddaughter of James Willie Alford & Lydia Thibodeaux-Alford; and Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Lafayette “Fate” Alford & Martha Griffins-Alford.
Aaron Donavan White
Let’s give an Alford round of applause to Aaron Donavan White who graduated from Sam Houston High School (Arlington, TX) on June 1, 2023. This amazing young man and athlete, will be attending The University of Texas at Arlington this fall where he will major in biochemistry.
Aaron is the son of Sheretha White & Anthony E. White; Grandson of Andrea Alford; Great-Grandson of Junius Lee “Amos” Alford, Sr. & Willie H. Malone-Alford; Great-Great-Grandson of Willie “Cracker” Alford & Helen Barnett-Alford; and Great-Great-Great-Grandson of Lafayette “Fate” Alford & Jennie Avance-Alford.
Krista Dooley
Congratulations to Krista Dooley graduated from Plano East Senior High School on June 3, 2023. Our cum laude scholar is the recipient of a full scholarship to Rutgers University for volleyball, All-District leader and December early graduate. She is currently majoring in Urban Planning and Design at Rutgers. We will be watching and cheering Krista and the Scarlet Knights on!
Krista is the daughter of Erika Alford-Dooley & Dallas Fire Battalion Chief Antoine Dooley; Granddaughter of Sylvester Alford, II, & Eileen Taylor-Alford; Great-Granddaughter of Sylvester Clement Alford & Decker Mae Russell; Great-Great-Granddaughter of Wesley Dow Alford & Emily Dunlap-Alford; and Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Xaiver Lyons
Join us in congratulating Xaiver Lyons, who graduated on June 15, 2023 from Renaissance High School (Long Beach, CA). Xaiver is multitalented with a great passion for performing and visual arts. This fall he will be attending Cal State Dominguez Hills (Carson, CA) where he will major in Film and Television Production.
Xaiver is the son of Kevin Lyons & Sahara Brown-Lyons; Grandson of Osieal O. Lyons & Dorothy Curtis-Lyons; Great-Grandson of Arbella Alford-Lyons & Cleo Lyons; and Great-Great-Grandson of Lafayette “Fate” Alford & Jennie Avance-Alford.
Today we celebrate Sidney Stockman, who graduated with Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine. She is now working towards a LMHC license in Massachusetts and will be working as a pediatric mental health clinician. Way to go!
Sidney is the daughter of Elizabeth Young-Stockman (Beth Stockman) & the late Eric Stockman; Granddaughter of Mattie Lois Matlock-Young & George Young, Sr.; Great-Granddaughter of Minnie Alford-Matlock & Louis Matlock; and Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Minnie Jennings-Alford.
We are so proud of Shameila J Alford who completed Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) studies on June 30, 2023, from Pontotoc Technology Center (Ada, OK). Her plan is to continue providing care and service for her patients as a travel nurse. She joins a long list of dedicated Alford nurses including her Grandmother Lee Ann Alford, aunts Sharon Annette Alford & Montria DeeDee Alford, and cousin Ashley Alford-Christopher.
Shameila J. Alford is the daughter of Earl Lee Alford & Rena Bruner-Alford; Granddaughter of Edward "Big Ace" Alford, Sr. & LeeAnn Smith-Alford; Great-Granddaughter of George Alford & Bernice Noble-Alford; Great-Great-Granddaughter of Wesley Dow Alford & Annie Cyrus-Gordon; and Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry.
Dashawn Patterson-Edwards
Shouting congratulations to Dashawn Patterson-Edwards who graduated from Rich South High School in June 2023. Dashawn has future plans to pursue a career and certification in a technical field and currently considering multiple options.
Dashawn Patterson-Edwards is the son of Lee Virgil Patterson, M.D. & Eric Edwards; Grandson of Violet Alford-Patterson & Lee Virgil Patterson, Sr.; Great-Grandson of Wesley Dow Alford & Emily Dunlap-Alford; and Great-Great-Grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
Storm White-Blount
Storm White-Blount (Storm White) graduated from San Francisco State University, CA in June 2023 (Go Gators!). Storm, the recipient of the Toni Weingarten Youth in Theatre Scholarship, has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, minoring in Race & Resistance Studies. Storm will continue building theatre communities, coaching & developing young theatre artists, acting, and writing in the Bay Area region of California.
It is with great pride, reverence and appreciation that we honor Storm's depth of compassion, drive, and vision as she has navigated completing her BA degree while providing care-giving for both of her Great Grandmother's (Grandma Margaret Brinker & Nanna Frenchie Alford) in their twilight last year.
Storm is the daughter of Elle Black and Jabari Blount, Granddaughter of Orlando White and Michele Govan; Great-Granddaughter of Frenchie C. Alford and Lester "LW" White; Great-Great-Granddaughter of Ethel Patton-Alford & Louis Milton Alford, Sr., Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Lydia Thibodeaux-Alford & James Willie Alford; and Great-Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter of Lafayette “Fate” Alford & Martha Griffiths-Alford.
With great pleasure, we are proud to announce Wessylyne Kaye Mitchell defended her PhD thesis on July 19, 2021, titled “Forgiveness as a Spiritual Intervention for Moral Injury Repair” from NCU Northcentral University. Dr. Mitchell received a Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology with a specialization in General Psychology.
Kaye is the daughter of Sunshyne Alford-French & Frank French; Granddaughter of Wesley Dow Alford & Emily Dunlap-Alford; and Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
