EVENT GALLERY

NATIONAL FUNDERAL DIRECTORS AND MORTICIANS 7-30-22

The pictures depicted here represent all the past NFDMA Presidents since I have been in the industry. They all have made tremendous contributions to this illustrious organization. I wish them all good wishes and extend sincere thanks for all that you did.

The National Funeral Directors and Morticians (NFDMA) Convention in New Orleans surpassed all my expectations. I don’t know if it was all the wonderful people who I hadn’t seen in a while. It may have been the City of New Orleans or the exhibits. Although all those things were fantastic, it was the strength, vitality, and exuberance of the NFDMA which took it over the top. With all the strains and challenges placed on the industry recently and with the country undergoing one of the most difficult periods in my life with the pandemic, it fills me with such pride that the NFDMA emerges stronger than ever. The burning of the mortgage, its international presence, The General Managers Certification program, and the National Board Assistance given to apprentices are but a few of the events, programs, and initiatives undertaken by the association. Keep on doing what you are doing.

I personally owe the association. It was 1990 when I came to the industry as a result of the NFDMA boycott of Batesville Casket Company. Some of you remember this well, others may not have even known it occurred. Batesville hired additional African American Sales Reps as well as some other concessions. I have been in the industry for 22 years, as a sales rep, the President and COO of an Acquisition Company, a VP and managing funeral director for an independent funeral home, A licensed funeral director and embalmer in three states, a life insurance sales producer, and the Founder and President of The Triumph Group my own funeral home consulting business. It started with the NFDMA. Carlton Douglas was the President at the time. 

Now a new administration was just elected. All I can say to George J. Durham, Jr., CFSP, CCO newly elected President, you have some big shoes to fill. Nevertheless, I am extremely optimistic that he will bring new energy and enthusiasm which will help propel this organization into the future. As Hari Close, outgoing President said in the business session, the groundwork has been laid. I know you will do extremely well, Brother Durham. After all, he is a Nupe, and you know how we do.