"Brown Skin and Company" mission is to promote friendship, fellowship, and good will among classmates of color in particular associated with Seneca High School. The group, a subset of the SHS Class of '74, meets every quarter, 2 p.m. 3rd Saturday at a select restaurant and city chosen by the host (revolving). The group has gathered in Seneca, Anderson, Greenville, and Atlanta to date. The group celebrates the living and honors the deceased class members of '74 and anyone who began the school journey back in elementary school at East End Elementary. Founding members include Charles Nickles, Tim Cob, Greg Brown, Barry Holland, Dennis Skelton, Lonnie Grant, Robert Whitfield, Lavant Gibson, Terry Butler, Howard Blassingame, Fred Alexander, Kenneth Goodine, Thomas Goodine, Robert Henderson, James Lewis, Manuel Wright, and John Haymon. These men originally got together to project a public image of solidarity and brotherhood amidst media portrayal of violence and crime. Women later joined the group - Virginia Holland-Davis, JoAnn Jones Haynes, Ida Smith Benson, Josie Alexander, Hilda Anderson, Mattie Barton, Loretta Goodine Olgesby, Gladys Alexander Underwood, and Barbara Henderson. These women promote sisterhood and a virtuous nature, not ratchetness often displayed in shows like Real Housewives of Atlanta, or Love and Hip Hop. The group is planning to celebrate the 60th birthdays of most classmates in 2016 by sponsoring a 6-day Caribbean cruise event. (See posts and announcements). The group believes that breaking bread together and spending meaningful time away from the norm and stressful environments promotes true friendship and a family vibe. The friendships, fellowship, and modeling of these friends for future generations serve as their legacy amidst the backdrop of the class of '74 in general. "Humanity amplified" are two words to describe the outward motive of Brown Skin & Company. The group name was coined by member Virginia Holland-Davis to distinguish the African American classmates from the general population, not as a means of segregation. The group felt it necessary to establish its own legacy for the communities each member grew up in and now lives in and for other and future SHS graduates. The group does this through its continous friendships and fellowship - including family members and extended friends.
