Extraordinary women

by | May 22, 2018 | Editor's Blog | 3 comments

Yesterday reminded me that African-American women have had a powerful impact on our society and yet they’ve often been overlooked. Two North Carolina women who left a legacy of service and community passed away this week. Both beat the odds to live the lives they created.

I was surprised when I saw that Mildred Council, better known in these parts as Mama Dip, passed away. I can’t say I knew her personally but she’s been a part of Chapel Hill since as long as I can remember. Not only did she serve food, she provided a gathering place for civic and political organizations. At her annual community dinner, she brought people together of different backgrounds to foster understanding and community. She was truly an icon in Chapel Hill.

Then, last night, I stumbled on an obituary for a most extraordinary woman. The tweet came across my feed reading, “Of all the news obituaries I’ve had the privilege of writing in my career — some 1,400 by now — few if any have moved me more than this one.” I clicked.

I began reading the New York Times obituary highlighting the life of Dovey Johnson Roundtree. I was in the middle of the story before I learned she was born and raised in Charlotte. By the time I got to the end of the article, I learned she was godmother to a woman who had grown up with me in Wadesboro. I was most amazed, though, that I had never heard about Ms. Roundtree, or at least didn’t recognize the name.

Dovey Johnson Roundtree was one of the unsung heroes of the Civil Right Movement. She broke down barriers for both African-Americans and women throughout her life with little personal acclaim. She was, as the obituary says, “ one of the first women of any race to be commissioned an Army officer.” She was the first African-American admitted to the Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia. And she was among the first women to be ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal church.

As a lawyer, she won landmark civil rights cases and stood for justice against long odds. The criminal case that grabbed the most attention was her defense of a mentally handicapped black man accused of killing a prominent white women. She built a law firm that endures to this day.

I’m glad that I was aware of the legacy and impact of Mildred Council and I’m a bit embarrassed that I didn’t know about Dovey Johnson Roundtree. I hope everyone will take a moment to read about both of these extraordinary women and remember what making a difference looks like. May they both rest in peace.

3 Comments

  1. Kev Creech

    Thank you so much for this tribute to these wonderful and amazing ladies.

  2. Diana Staley

    I managed an employment office in Chapel/Carrboro for many years and Mildred Council was on our employers’ committee. So fortunately I had lots of opportunity to interact with her as well as see her at Mama Dip’s for breakfast. She was a joy to be around and to have her input on our work in the community. She was a strong supporter of African Americans in Chapel Hill and her love of her family was extraordinary. Thank you Mildred for being such a wonderful role model to so many.

  3. Terry Taylor-Allen

    Your story impressed on me the sad truth that we rarely know our quiet leaders, preferring to dismiss and marginalize the courage, fortitude and contributions of women like Mildred Council and Dovey Roundtree. I am thrilled and humbled to learn about them. Thank you so much for your tribute to these important women.

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