February is the month to celebrate Black History and to continue to educate about untold stories that are hidden in the history books of American History of African Americans. The 2019 theme is Black Migration. The focus at the Winston County Library Exhibit is on local African American residents who migrated from Winston County in the 50s and 60s, however, most have returned for a more comfortable life after retirement. Mary McWilliams’s story is featured in the Black History Exhibit at the Winston County Library, 301 West Park Street, Louisville, MS., 662-773-3212. This writer (Elmetra Patterson) is the curator of this exhibit.
Mary Waldrip was born and raised in Louisville, MS graduating from Louisville Colored High School in 1963. This writer remembers her as an excellent student who was very active. She migrated to Milwaukee in 1968 to find better opportunities for a good paying job. She became an employee of Allen Bradley Company, Milwaukee, WI. And retired from there. She returned to Louisville July 5, 2005. She and her husband Q. C. McWilliams of 50 years are the parents of six children: Avery, Eryka, Damien, Quinton, Martrell and Eric.
Mary is the treasurer of the Friends of Dean Park, Inc. of which she has been a member for 8 years. She is also a volunteer with Black Girls Read. Her granddaughter is a member of this thriving group which is directed by Dr. Melissa Davis. Mary is a member of the Center Hill Church of God, Louisville, MS.
