By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
Lillington, NC - The atmosphere inside the county Resource Center was one of reverence and resilience as the Harnett County NAACP and the Harnett County Democratic Party convened for the 4th Annual Civil Rights Stories event. The program, which has become a cornerstone for preserving local history, honored five distinguished residents whose lives bridge the gap between the Jim Crow South and the ongoing fight for equity in North Carolina. The afternoon served as a vivid reminder that the Civil Rights Movement was not just a national headlines-maker, but a series of deeply personal battles fought on the streets of Shawtown, Erwin, Lillington, and Beaver Dam. Each honoree was given five minutes to share a "story of self," revealing the grit required to navigate a segregated world and the determination to improve it.
Lois Murphy: The Voice for the Vulnerable. Mrs. Murphy, a lifelong advocate from Erwin, was recognized for her pioneering work in mental health, a topic she noted has long been shrouded in silence within the community. "It is time for us to address that," the program noted. Murphy recalled her education at Shaw University and the formative influence of community leaders like Mr. W.N. Porter at Shawtown School. Her story was one of continuous movement, from marching in the streets after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to personally ensuring local children had clothes and food.
Walter Williams: Lessons in Equality. Mr. Williams offered a candid and at times humorous look at the "separate but equal" era. He recounted the stark realization he faced during school integration. "I didn’t want to go to the [integrated] school," he admitted. "But once I got there, I said, 'What in the world are these?' I had never seen the things they had in those schools. Believe me, it wasn’t equal." Williams’ testimony highlighted the systemic underfunding of Black institutions and the "Oreo" labels he navigated while working to bring forth opportunity.
Grace Watts: The Power of the Vote. A cousin of Lois Murphy, Grace Watts spoke of the mentors who shaped her, including Rosa Parks and legends like Barbara Jordan. She shared the sting of political hurdles, recounting a local election she lost by a mere 19 votes. Her message was clear: "We need the vote. That’s where it stays. We cannot afford not to vote."
Ernest Smith: From "Diamonds in the Rough" to Global Citizen. Mr. Smith, a 1968 graduate of Shawtown High and a Fayetteville State University alumnus, shared his journey from the tobacco fields to teaching the classrooms of Brooklyn, NY. He spoke of the "Black Power" era and his work on the political campaigns of Shirley Chisholm and Jesse Jackson. Today, he focuses on building a 5,000-square-foot community resource center on Roberts Road to serve the youth and elderly of Harnett County.
Thesolonia McLean: Resilience and Faith. Mr. McClain shared a poignant story of the casual racism of the past, recalling a child in a Raleigh restaurant using a racial slur because they "didn't know any better" based on what they heard at home. McLean’s candid comments were highlighted by his transparency, mentioning, “the light bulb came on once I was in the right learning environment.” Despite physical challenges and the memories of being passed over for promotions despite years of experience, McClain’s story was one of unwavering faith and commitment to the NAACP.
While the stories were personal, the mission remains the same. People must vote and participate in civic activities to ensure growth in the right direction. The event highlighted the importance of representation in a county that is rapidly changing.
