Former mayor to tell of heritage

 SE student activities and the history department will bring Elzie D. Odom to campus next week as part of the Black History Month recognition.
Odom, former mayor of Arlington, will tell the legendary story of his great-great-great grandparents, Jim and Winnie Shankle.
The presentation, a multi-media account of these Shankleville namesakes, uses simulations and imagination to tell a tale of triumph over adversity.
The Shankles, born into slavery, overcame the separation of over 400 miles and the great Mississippi River to be together.
They survived years enslaved together and after being freed went on to inspire others to educate and love, including their own descendants who are still active in their communities to this day, Odom said.
Odom’s father A.T. Odom has also spoken to audiences in and around his community.
“After slavery was abolished in 1866, a few men began to buy homes and settle down. The first [homestead] was about four miles east of Burkeville by Jim Shankle and his wife Winnie. Since that date down through the years, churches and schools where organized,” the senior Odom said in a presentation.
Odom’s program is Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Roberson Theatre.
For more information on Black History Month activities on SE Campus, call 817-515-3595.