The National Council of Meridianites, Inc.
Founded in 1967
The National Council of Meridianites, Inc. had its beginning in the mid-1960s after several Meridianites reunited at the funeral of a friend in Detroit. Because the friends had not seen each other in over ten years, they decided to plan
more fellowship gatherings in the future, which eventually became regular events.The first Meridianites picnic was held in Detroit, Michigan, in 1967. The idea for the picnic originated from a group of friends; *Lucile Kennedy Jackson, *Steve Jackson, and *Annie B. Kennedy Horton, who lived in Detroit; MI, and *Curtis Cole, *Lessie Hill Cole, and Clarice May Thomas, who lived in Cleveland, OH. It was during the bereavement of a dear friend, *Amos Ruffin, in Detroit, Michigan that this idea came into being. Many of those attending the funeral services had not seen each other for more than a decade. The reunion and fellowship, though on a sad occasion, sparked the idea to initiate plans for more frequent gatherings. Originally, the picnic alternated between Detroit, MI and Cleveland, OH.
However, from the beginning, other cities participated. Soon, cities began forming chapters consisting of Meridianites’ and their friends. As the idea spread, so did the chapters. It’s important to know that the members in the cities hosting the first eight picnics worked very hard raising funds to pay for the festivities and there were no costs to the participants.
The National Council of Meridianites, Inc.
Our Vision
To bring together Meridianites from Meridian, Mississippi, and friends of
Meridianites on a fraternal basis for the purpose of promoting and continuing good wholesome
fellowship; to perform and engage in such charitable activities and acts as may be provided for in the
bylaws of this Organization; to unite these Meridianites who will support and advance the goals of The
National Council of Meridianites, Incorporated; and in this connection, Meridianites may organize
themselves into local chapters in their various communities. The National Council of Meridianites is
an organization that aims to increase the popularity of common interests and add new
members so that it can grow and expand. It also wants to have fun while working on projects. .
By developing our relationships and friendships, the organization will become even
stronger.
Our Council
Denita Dean
President
At the National Council of Meridianites, Inc. we take pride in serving as a voice for the Meridian community. Through our programs and initiatives, we are dedicated to promoting the well-being of Meridianites across the nation. We strive to foster a strong sense of community among our members, while advocating for policies and programs that support the unique needs of Meridianites. Our commitment to local businesses, education, and culture is absolute, and we work hard to promote and celebrate all that makes our community great!
Together we Win.
​
© 2023 by The National Council of Meridianites, Inc