Williamston in Martin County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Original Drum Majors of the Williamston Civil Rights Movement
Mary L. Mobley Golden A. Frinks Sarah E. Small
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 14, 2025
1. The Original Drum Majors of the Williamston Civil Rights Movement Marker
The Williamston Civil Rights movement began in the summer of 1963. The Movement reeled for the period of thirty-two consecutive days under the tutelage of Sarah Small, Mary Louis Mobley and Golden Frinks. Blacks held nightly meetings, formulated sweeping demands, and participated in dozens of marches and sit-ins. Throughout the fall of that year, Sarah Small, Mary Louis Mobley and Golden Frinks continued to meet and engage in direct action demonstrations. Moreover, they espoused with sure determination demands for the abolishment of the hallowed Jim Crow customs of separate and unequal seating, service in public accommodations and an immediate end to discrimination in employment. Faced with this challenge, they along with hundreds filled the town's small ail beyond its capacity and on many occasions, cells in surrounding towns and counties housed the overflow.
The history of these three martyrs were instrumental in changing the racial conditions in not only Williamston, but also the nation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1963.
Location. 35° 51.275′ N,
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Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Williamston Prisoner-of-War Camp (here, next to this marker); Gen. Frank Armstrong (a few steps from this marker); Samuel Johnston (1733-1816) (a few steps from this marker); The History of Williamston (a few steps from this marker); Asa Biggs (within shouting distance
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 14, 2025
2. The Original Drum Majors of the Williamston Civil Rights Movement Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 144 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
