Category: Announcements

In Loving Memory

Our Beloved

Do not weep because I’ve gone, my love remains, it lingers on.
In every breeze, in morning’s glow, I’m closer than you’ll ever know.
Remember laughter, soft and true, the joy I found in each of you.
Though I’ve journeyed out of view, my heart lives on — in all you do.

Obituary

James C. Cooke, Jr. was born on January 29th, 1944, in Harlem, New York, to the late James C. Cooke Sr. and Kirkatalena Cooke. Sadly, he departed this life on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025. James was educated in the New York City Public School system. He graduated from Charles Evans Hughes High School in 1961. Prior to a brief period, he was enrolled at Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida. Unfortunately, due to a serious illness he could not complete his course of study there. He later enrolled at the City College of New York and began pursuing a degree in Business Management. In 1969, James married Betty Ware who preceded him in death. Many years later, he married Millicent Bright who preceded him in death. On October 15th, 2011, James and Celeste Trotman were united in holy matrimony at Shiloh Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. At the age of 10 years old, James became a member of the New York City Mission Society Cadet Corps. As a teen, he joined the Minisink Warriors Drum and Bugle Corps, starting in the drum line and later becoming the drum major in the early 1960’s. He would go on to become the Business Manager of the Drum and Bugle Corps and Program Director of the Cadet Corps. During the summer months “Cooke” or “Jimmie,” as he was called, became a counselor at Camp Minisink in the early 1960’s as well. He taught arts and crafts. Prior to his time at Camp Minisink, James pledged to the Order of the Feather which focused on community service, personal growth and brotherhood. He would join the Order of the Bonnet. He became the designer and creator of the handmade headdress for the Order. In September of 1964, James, along with seven others, became a founder of Pen and Scroll Fraternity four years later the Pen and Scroll Sorority was founded. A part of the mission statement states that, “The Pen and Scroll Organization was established to build a better life for the young men and women by helping them achieve economic empowerment, academic advancement and cultural awareness.” In 1968, James became a Prince Hall Mason belonging to Euclid Lodge #1, the Shriner of Medina #19. James left New York City Mission Society in 1974. He started working for the New York City Housing Authority as the Director of the Housing Authority Drum and Bugle Corps. Some years later he took a civil service job to become a Principal Administrative Associate III within the Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration. He retired at the age of 70. James had a love for music. He started his own deejay company called Car-Jam along with Carl Williams, a close friend. He loved hosting parties in his home, he enjoyed dancing to salsa music, listening to jazz and having a good time with his family and friends. Traveling was a big part of his life, as well. He took trips to the Caribbean Islands, Hawai’i, Florida just to name a few. He lived a well-rounded life. He left to cherish his memories are: Wife – Celeste Cooke Mother – Kirkatalena Cooke-Sewer Stepmother – Janet Trollman Stepson – David Bright Siblings – Dorothy Haughton, Patricia Cooke, Kenneth Cooke (Lisa), Olivia Vega, Shauntay Frazar and Aaron Cooke Nieces and Nephews – Chevonne Kirkland (Derek), Robert Pierce, Jr. (Tina), Dana Claybrooks (Travis), Sarrel Graves, Jason Cooke (Nicole), Owen Cooke (Jenny), Dominique Johnson, Krystal Cooke, Jarryd Cooke, Jonathon Cooke (Diamond), Tyhanor LaHorlette, Tyler Cooke, Stephanie Cooke and Mica Cooke Sister-in-Law – Delanye Cooke, wife of Robert Cooke (sibling) who preceded James in death and a host of grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins and friends.

Arrangements Entrusted To:

Granby’s Funeral Service, Inc.
4021 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY 10466

In Loving Memory

Lee T. Griffin

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our Minisink Brother, Lee T. Griffin. Lee had been battling some medical issues for a while and on Wednesday joined our heavenly ancestors.

At this point, we know that services will be held on Saturday, April 5. Once I get additional information, I will pass it on.

Our prayers go out to his wife Ashe and the Griffin family.

May the Good and Merciful God continue to watch over them in this time of need.

In Celebration of Black History Month 2025

The Black Photographer Collective (BPC) presents:
A Photographer’s State of Mind

Event Details

• Opening Reception: Saturday, Feb 15th, 2–6 PM
• Artist Talk: Saturday, Mar 1st, 4–6 PM
• Closing Reception: Saturday, Mar 15th, 2–6 PM

Photo by Carl Broady

Featured Photographers

Carl Broady, Howard Cash, Rudy Collins, Melanie Hill, Debi Jackson, Glenda Jones, Malique Payne, Kenya Smith, Michael Yeboa

Location

BronxArtSpace
700 Manida Street (Entrance @ Spofford Ave)
Bronx, NY 10474
art@bronxartspace.com
www.bronxartspace.com

Minisink at the Schomburg Center January 24, 2023

FOME’s History and Archive Committee donated a collection of Minisink materials to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Pictured below: Frank W. Jones (President), James Warren (Vice President), and Carol A. Young (Chairperson).

On November 3, 1996, the Minisink Women’s Association launched the Minisink Archival Project featuring significant Minisink materials.

On January 24, 2023, the FOME History & Archives committee donated a collection of Minisink materials, launching the Minisink Legacy Project.

“With your assistance, we would like to continue to collect and archive your Minisink experiences. It is our intention to provide an accurate history of the Minisink programs by sharing memories, experiences, and collections of past and current Minisinkers. Our archival collection will become an unequivocal and accessible source of memorabilia, photographs, original narratives (both written and recorded) for documentation and perpetuation of the Minisink experience and ideals. It will become our bequest to future generations.”

— Clara Marie Francis McDonald, Tapawingo 1957
From the Minisink Legacy Project 2021/2022 Winter Update Letter to Minisink Family and Friends.

Listing of FOME Items

Historical Documents & Journals

• Camp Minisink Staff Handbook, 1976
• New York City Mission Society Annual Report, 1982-1983
• Minisink Women’s Association 33rd Annual Luncheon Journal
• 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Tapawingo Honor Society brochure, 1993
• 85th Anniversary Journal, 2014
• FOME 90th Anniversary Journal, 2019
• New York City Mission Society 150th Anniversary Journal, 1992
• Youth Salute Paul Robeson, 1978
• 25th Anniversary Annual Luncheon Journal

Music & Songs

• Words and music for “To the Knights in the Days of Old” by Salle Hume Douglas
• Words and music for “I Would Be True” by Joseph Yates Peek and Howard Arnold Walter
• Janice Bowie Compact Disc of 18 Songs including “Minisink We’ll Sing Your Story” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
• 80th Anniversary Songbook, 2009
• 85th Anniversary Songbook, 2014

Memorabilia & Collectibles

• Camp Minisink Record Card
• Camp Minisink Tapawingo Honor Society Blazer Patch Logo
• Minisink Patch
• Featherman Sweater
• Tapawingo ‘57 Pin
• Minisink Donation Envelope
• Tap ‘57-’58 Reunion Program, 2007
• 85th Anniversary Bag

Photographs & Media

• Staff Photo, ca. 1962/1963
• Camp Minisink, Port Jervis, NY, Postcard
• 38th Season Photograph, 1967
• Photograph of Lovell Jackson, 6 Years Old
• Jim Collier Photos, 4 Compact Discs
• 20 Digital Files of Minisink Camping Photos and Brochures

Programs & Events

• Cindi-Atta ‘81 Show of Shows Mini Bill
• Karnivalle ‘84 Show of Shows Mini Bill
• FOME Grant Awards Presentation and Luncheon, 2015
• NYCMS Cadet Corps Annual Awards Dinner at Headquarters Photo
• Invitation to 35th Annual Luncheon, 1991
• Tapawingo Presentation Program, 1960
• Carol Sing Program, 2004

Miscellaneous Items

• Operation Crossroads Africa Handbook, 1966
• Postcard from Germany
• Groundbreaking at Camp Minisink, Port Jervis, Photo
• National Conference of Black Mayors Journal, 1993
• A Green Binder with 25 Sleeves plus a Video (58.2 minutes) on “The Magic of Minisink History Project”