Laney Walker in Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Carrie J. Mays

1928-1994

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

1. Carrie J. Mays Marker

Inscription. The first woman elected to the Augusta City Council (1970), the first Black woman elected to a city council in the Southeast, the first woman to serve as secretary of the Georgia Democratic Party (1971, 1980), and a Presidential elector (1976, 1980), she commanded biracial respect.

The will to champion causes of the underserved become her most endearing quality. As a mortician, her challenge to the official report of the death of 16-year-old Charles Oatman began the massive Black mobilization that culminated in the May 11-12, 1970, riot. Her fight against police brutality, efforts to counter corruption in law enforcement, and leadership in establishing the Human Relations Commission were among her most significant achievements. Her courageous service and role as mayor pro tempore inspired her son, W.H. Mays III, to become a city councilman, commissioner, and mayor (2005).

She remained active in community institutions and earned recognition: Woman of the Year, Augusta Lincoln League (1971); Citizen of the Year, The Augusta News-Review (1973); Mortician of the Year, The Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association (1977); Who's Who in Politics in the South and Southwest (1973).

Erected 2022 by The Augusta African American Historical Society

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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Government & Politics • Law Enforcement • Women. In addition, it is included in the Georgia - Augusta African-American History Walk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.

Location. 33° 27.963′ N, 81° 58.838′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is in Laney Walker. Marker is on Laney Walker Boulevard east of 13th Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Augusta African-American History Walk, in front of A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1324 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. Channing H. Tobias (here, next to this marker); Rev. Jesse Peters Galphin (here, next to this marker); Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen (a few steps from this marker); Rev. Samuel Butler Wallace (a few steps from this marker); Sidney “Beau Jack” Walker (a few steps from this marker); Dr. John Hope (within shouting distance of this marker); Frank Garvin Yerby (within shouting distance of this marker); Atty. Judson Whitlocke Lyons (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Also see . . .

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

2. Carrie J. Mays Marker

Featured marker is second from left.

The Way We Were: Carrie Mays did more in a few years than most in a lifetime. Carrie Mays was a political comet. Over a five-year period from 1970 to 1975, she seemed to be everywhere, not only in Augusta, but in Georgia: Speaking, prodding, complaining, encouraging. She wasn't just the drum major. She was the whole band. (Bill Kirby, The Augusta Chronicle, posted Jan. 24, 2021) (Submitted on June 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.