By Dr. Hilliard Lackey

JA Guest Writer

Elbert Lester of Marks and Dr. John A. Peoples of Jackson are two of an estimated 400 surviving members of the 20,000 Black marines who trained at Montford Point section of Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, 1942-1949.

Sgt. Lester turns age 99 on September 28, 2024. Lance Corporal Peoples becomes 98 years old on August 26, 2024. 

I have known and been friends with Elbert “Shug” Lester all of my life. His father was assistant pastor of the church in which I grew up. I visit him once a month or so during my trips back home to Marks. His 13 children, grands, and great grands plan two big birthday parties for his 99th and 100th birthdays. He is a recent widower after 75 years of marriage. 

I met Dr. Peoples while I was a student (1961-65) at Jackson State and he was a visiting alumnus. He became vice president and president in waiting during my senior year of college in 1964 and asked me to be a part of his future administration. Upon taking office as president March 1, 1967, he hired me as Director of Alumni Affairs on April 1, 1967. Mrs. Mary Galloway Peoples, son Mark, and daughter Kathleen are doing well.