On June 19, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Tallulah Madison Community Center, the City of Tallulah will honor seven very special individuals in our community during the “Fruit of the Village and the Juneteenth Program. These individuals collectively have helped to raise the quality of life in our community.
This year, Earlene Whitney, Kathy Gultery, Eugene Whitney, Marcus McDonald and Karl Thomas have been selected as the “Fruit of the Village” honorees. “The Fruit of the Village honorees are those individuals who, in their own special way have positively impacted Tallulah,” said Tallulah Mayor Charles Finlayson. “When you honor someone in the community, it not only let’s that person know that what they are doing is being seen, it also helps to foster a proactive environment where others may want to get involved as well.”
Earlene Whitney is a matriarch in the Tallulah community. “Mrs. Whitney is one of those women who provides meals to the needy, a shoulder to a weary person, and in some cases can give a young person in our community a good old fashioned common sense talking to when needed,” Finlayson said. “She is truly one of those salt-of-the-earth people that kindness just radiates from. We need mothers like her to help keep our community on track.”
There aren’t many in the Tallulah community who don’t know Mrs. Kathy Gultery, long-time day care owner and wife of legendary Tallulah Coach Robert Gultery. “Mrs. Gultery is not only an entrepreneur and business owner in community, she is a trusted day care operator who has raised so many children and are now raising their children,” Finlayson said. “Her center is run exemplary, and she often treats her staff to weekend travel vacations. Most importantly to her though is making sure that when a child enters school, they are prepared with the basics in order to have a successful school journey.”
Eugene “Genie Boy” Whitney is one of those figures that transcends communities. From Tallulah to Monroe, Louisiana, it seems everyone knows Mr. Whitney and his Fire House Subs franchise. “Eugene and I have known each other a long time,” Finlayson said. “This man helps so many communities up and down the I-20 corridor. If he’s not supplying Christmas bikes to children in various parishes, then he is helping out with the elderly and disabled. This man is truly one who loves Northeast Louisiana,” Finlayson continued.
Coach Marcus “Pooh” McDonald is a recognized mentor of youth in the Tallulah community and has been involved for years either coaching in the school district or working with AAU sports,” Finlayson said. “He is one of those coaches who expects excellence out of his athletes, yet he is still there to talk with them and be there for them when they have problems outside of school. There aren’t many people who have given the thousands of hours that Coach McDonald has over the years. Whether girls or boys’ sports, he continues to be a force much needed with our youth.”
In the spiritual community in Tallulah, there aren’t many that don’t know Karl Thomas. “This man has a smile that reaches you before you even see him,” said Yvonne Lewis, City of Tallulah Spokesperson. “Karl is one of those magnetic people who always has a kind word to say to everyone. I don’t think I’ve ever even seen him angry,” Lewis said. “Whether he is working with the church or writing for the newspaper, Karl always carries himself in an impeccable gentlemanly manner. Never fussing, never involved in drama. Just a true Christian man helping who he can while living his life in a manner that is pleasing to God.”
Along with the “Fruit of the Village” Awards, the Juneteenth Committee will be recognizing Mrs. Zakkiyya Smith-Jackson and Mr. Stanley Wayne Ewell with the first Juneteenth Star Awards for their efforts in educating Tallulah on what Juneteenth really means to the community. “Zakkiyya has, for years, pushed Tallulah to recognize Juneteenth as an important day,” Lewis continued. “Long before it became a Federal holiday, Ms. Smith-Jackson was leading the charge to ensure that our community really understood the meaning behind the day. Even when she didn’t get much attention, she still pushed on. She’s one of those individuals who feels that even if she only reaches one person, she’s done something important in that person’s life.”
Lewis contrasted Smith-Jackson with Mr. Stanley Wayne Ewell, the City’s other Star Award honoree. “You probably couldn’t find two completely opposite individuals,” Lewis said. “Where Zakkiyya takes a quieter approach, Mr. Ewell is one of those individuals that every community has to have because he’s never afraid to say what needs to be said. He is going to speak out on everything that he feels works against the African American community and he’s going to say it publicly. You need people like that because in a society where many just tow the line, individuals like Mr. Ewell are going to make sure that the words are said out loud and with emphasis.”
In addition to the Thursday, June 19, 2025, program, on Friday, June 20, 2025, the Juneteenth Committee will host a rhythm and blues concert featuring The Taylor Made Band out of Monroe, Louisiana and the Calvin Duncan, Jr. Band from Tallulah. Also on hand will be disc jockey Danielle Whitney, aka “DJ Freak.” Doors for the concert open at 7:00 pm and it is a free event.
