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…