The Augusta African American Historical Society dedicated a monument to a former city councilwoman and business woman Saturday in front of the A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School.
Despite the blazing sun and humid morning air, every single seat was filled with those who wished to honor Carrie Mays and her memory.
“Today, I am honored to be here to stand on the shoulders of a mighty, mighty woman,” said Commissioner Francine Scott of Super District 9.
Started by Edward M. McIntyre, Augusta’s first African American mayor, the History Walk honors Mays with the 25th monument located off on Laney-Walker Boulevard.
Mays was the owner and operator of W.H. Mays Mortuary but is more known for becoming the first woman on the Augusta City Council and the first African American woman to serve on a city council in the Southeast.
The unveiling featured several speeches which mentioned Mays’ many accomplishments as the first woman to serve as secretary of the Georgia Democratic Party, where she spoke out against corruption within the judicial system and law enforcement.
“She refused to be ordinary. She was exceptional,” said Rev. K.B. Martin of Antioch Baptist Church.
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Speakers included Lillie Johnson, the historical society’s president, Alicia Elam, various local reverends, Mallory Millender, retired Paine College professor, and a few family members.
Multiple speakers talked about Mays’ positive effect on their life and how she served as an inspiration for all within the community.
“If you look at her accomplishments, we all seek to be a little bit of Carrie Mays,” said District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson. “Service is about other people, and she exemplified that in my studies of her. She exemplified everything that we hope to be.”
W.H. Mays Mortuary has recently celebrated 100 years in business and former employee, Paul Simmons, retold his experience working with Carrie Mays in his younger days.
“Carrie Mays loved Augusta. She loved every one of you,” said Simmons.
Afterwards, Millender, a retired Paine College professor and friend of Mays, had the crowd sing “Happy Birthday” together in honor of her birthday the next day. He then spoke of her dedication to the community and memories of running alongside her for city council. Millender labeled Mays as a trailblazer and pioneer who built an everlasting legacy that forever changed the African American community.
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“When Carrie was elected, she was an immediate force on the council, and she was supported by black people and white people,” said Millender. “‘Her leadership and courage have been without parallel.’”
Rev. Denise Freeman of Lincolnton, Ga. spoke of Mays’ inspiration to “little black girls and young women” everywhere and how her legacy would continue to live on.
Johnson, said that Mays commanded biracial respect and is just one example of why it is important to preserve history even on the perceived smaller scales of government.
“History is not past; it’s present. We carry it within us, and it matters. It matters,” she said.
Bessie Williams, sister of Carrie Mays, and Raye Mays, daughter-in-law of honoree, unveiled the monument at the end of the ceremony, and the historical society then invited all attendees to a reception following the event. After the ceremony, several from the crowd reminisced on memories and fond stories about Mays before saying their goodbyes.
Liz Wright is a correspondent for The Augusta Press.
