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Donald V. Watkins
Jan 32 min read
The Four Darden Sisters: The First School Teachers in the Watkins Family
Watkins family members have been educators in America since the 1880s. The first four teachers in our family were the Darden sisters.
680 views6 comments
Donald V. Watkins
Dec 17, 20243 min read
Dr. Samuel Augustus Owen: An Iconic Black Minister on a Mission to Educate His People
Dr. Samuel Augustus Owen was an iconic minister in Memphis, Tennessee. He was also an educational leader. This is his inspirational story.
338 views1 comment
Donald V. Watkins
Oct 31, 20243 min read
Rev. Willie Lewis Varnado: A Brave Southern Preacher on a Mission to Empower Black America
It's in my bloodline. My maternal grandfather was a Baptist minster and early civil rights advocate in the South. This is his story.
1,283 views1 comment
Donald V. Watkins
Jul 20, 20243 min read
American Beach: A Case Study in Black Economic Empowerment
American Beach is a case study in black economic empowerment. It shows what blacks can do when they network with each other.
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Donald V. Watkins
Jul 5, 20245 min read
America’s Declaration of Independence Condemned Two Aspects of My Ethnic Heritage: King George's Refusal to Return Runaway Slaves To Captivity and "Merciless Indian Savages"
The Declaration of Independence condemned (a) King George's refusal to return runaway slaves to captivity and (b) merciless Indian savages."
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Donald V. Watkins
May 24, 20242 min read
Setting and Pursuing Family Goals is Critical to Success in Life
Setting and pursing family goals is critical to success in life. Goal setting ensures the growth and sustainability of each generation.
849 views1 comment
Donald V. Watkins
Apr 8, 20242 min read
60 Years Ago, This Tennessee State University Student Demanded Academic Excellence at His College and Got It
By: Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on April 8, 2024 In Memoriam to Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr., MD -- June 13, 1944 to April 11,...
444 views6 comments
Donald V. Watkins
Mar 29, 20242 min read
Easter Weekend: Celebrating God's Modern-Day Miracles in a Troubled World
By: Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on March 29, 2024 My readers know that I am a spiritual person who comes from an America...
326 views2 comments
Donald V. Watkins
Dec 12, 20235 min read
Family Matters: The Generational Impact of Michael Daley's Deed of Land to Olivia Carmichael in 1887
By: Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on December 12, 2023 My family’s story begins when Dougald A. Carmichael and his wife...
313 views3 comments
Donald V. Watkins
Nov 26, 20232 min read
Adam Watkins: One of My Earliest Mentors in Life, Business, and Politics
By: Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on November 26, 2023 Fifthy-five years ago, the Sunday, September 8, 1968, edition of the...
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Donald V. Watkins
Nov 14, 20234 min read
My Family History Shaped and Defines My Core Values
By: Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on November 14, 2023 I have stated on many occasions that my core values were passed down...
388 views1 comment
Donald V. Watkins
Oct 17, 20232 min read
My Dad’s First Principalship at the Colored School in Parsons, Kansas was Announced on May 28, 1940
By: Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on October 17, 2023 He was described as " one of the most promising young Negro educators...
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Donald V. Watkins
Sep 1, 20234 min read
“VU Med School Gets 1st Negro”
By Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on May 28, 2019; Updated and Republished on September 1, 2023 On May 29, 1966, The...
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Donald V. Watkins
Aug 3, 20234 min read
A Watkins Family Gathering in Atlanta
By: Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on August 3, 2023 We met in Atlanta for three days last weekend. It was a family...
669 views2 comments
Donald V. Watkins
Jul 27, 20235 min read
Joseph T. Watkins: This Soldier Fought America’s Foreign and Domestic Enemies
By: Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on July 28, 2023 Joseph T. Watkins was my father’s youngest brother. He was smart,...
246 views0 comments
Donald V. Watkins
Jul 3, 20236 min read
An Open Letter to My Grandchildren
By: Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on July 3, 2023 Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court banned affirmative action for black...
251 views0 comments
Donald V. Watkins
Jun 8, 20231 min read
"Let Your Work Speak for You...."
By: Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on June 8, 2023 “Let your work speak for you .... and you’ll never have to say anything...
574 views2 comments
Donald V. Watkins
Mar 8, 20235 min read
Women's History Month: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Lillian Bernice Varnado Watkins
By: Donald V. Watkins ©Copyrighted and Published on March 8, 2023 Lillian Bernice Varnado Watkins, the matriarch of the Watkins family,...
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Donald V. Watkins
Feb 23, 20233 min read
We Are Forever Grateful To Juanita R. Turner
By: Donald V. Watkins February 23, 2023 The Juanita R. Turner Memorial Fund at LeMoyne-Owen College is named for the high school and...
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Donald V. Watkins
Feb 21, 20234 min read
Reclaiming Our History: The Remarkable Story of Dr. Isaac Scott Hathaway
By Donald V. Watkins Copyrighted and Published on September 24, 2018; Updated on February 21, 2023 Dr. Isaac Scott Hathaway (1872–1967)...
259 views1 comment
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