Dr. Benjamin E. Mays is a towering figure in the history of the civil rights movement in America. His story, a testament to the human spirit's resilience and capacity for greatness, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations. Born in the waning days of slavery, Dr. Mays emerged from the humble beginnings of a sharecropping community in Greenwood County to become a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and an advisor to U.S. presidents. His journey is not just a narrative of personal triumph but a chronicle of the transformative power of education and moral leadership.
In this episode, I sit down with the Executive Director of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site in Greenwood, SC, Christopher Thomas. This marks the first of many on location episodes to come.
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays's legacy reminds us that the struggle for dignity and justice is ongoing. His teachings, preserved through the dedication of the preservation site and the stories shared in this episode, continue to inspire and challenge us to rise above our conditions and contribute positively to society. By reflecting on the life of Dr. Mays, we are compelled to honor the sacred flame of African-American heritage and carry forward the values of equity and compassion that he championed throughout his life.
SPECIAL THANKS FOR THIS EPISODE:
VIDEOGRAPHY, AUDIO, AND BTS : MELANIE LECH
OLD 96 DISTRICT AND THE DR. BENJAMIN E. MAYS HISTORIC SITE