A00372 - Amina Merritt, Jack Hailey, and Derrick Lawrence
One of the highlights for 2024, was the addition of an adopted soul brother and adopted class member, Jack Hailey, Class of 1967. Jack attended my first ever Juneteenth lunch on June 19th in Davis, California, where he and Amina Merritt, Amherst College Class of 1980, and I met at the Well Season Chinese Restaurant for an engaging meal filled with memories. After all, Amina was not only a member of the first co-ed class at Amherst College, she was also one of my Springfield Amherst Summer Academy students from the Summers of 1973 and 1974. I had not seen Amina since 1974, so seeing her again was one of the highlights of the year.
As for Jack, it is my understanding that he is the Class Secretary for the Amherst College Class of 1967. Through the auspices of my college suitemate and Class Secretary James Kennedy, Jack entered my realm because of his interest in the history of Black Alumni. We began a correspondence which led to his conversing with my most faithful righthand friend, Tony Jackson, Class of 1976. Jack's contacts with Tony led to his joining the September 2024 pilgrimage to Ghana that included Tony Jackson, Cuthbert "Tuffy" Simpkins, Class of 1969, and Junius Williams, Class of 1965. Based on the many photos provided by Tony, the trip to Ghana was quite memorable. Indeed, the impression I got was that for Tony especially, it was like the return of a prodigal prince. He seemed so regal, and happy to be home.
I understand that Amina had wanted to go to Ghana as well but had a very important family matter that arose in September, the celebration of 10 generations in New England -- Venture Smith Day 2024 (on the Connecticut Freedom Trail). The celebration was held on September 7, 2024, at the First Church Cemetery, 499 Town Street, Route 151, East Haddam, Connecticut. You can read about Amina's forebear at
In any event, my first Juneteenth Luncheon went very well, and I hope to reprise it in 2025 with Amina and Jack and maybe more so that I can continue to learn and grow. Indeed, during the course of the year, Jack has provided helpful tips and info, including reminding me that what may seem to be the premature demise of an individual may not be due solely to racism, but may also simply be due to the act of God. His most recent note to me (see below) seems to support the notion.
As I reflect on those on my Memorial Service list, many of those who appear on the list all too soon do seem to be there for reasons unknown. Indeed, the fact they are on the list, while I am not, is one of the greatest mysteries of all.
Happy New Year everyone! And may we somehow find in this new year some measure of
Peace,
Everett "Skip" Jenkins
Class of 1975
Fairfield, California
January 3, 2025
Everett,
Way too young. The obituary also mentions his college roommate – a lifelong friendship.
Jack
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