Archive Record
Metadata
Title |
The Mattie Stephens Atkins Collection |
Collection |
Mattie Stephens Atkins Collection |
Catalog Number |
2019.005 |
Object Name |
Papers, Personal |
Level of description |
Fonds/Coll |
Scope & Content |
The Mattie Stephens Atkins Collection 1 1/2 box, 12 folder sleeves; 4 cubic feet Mattie Stephens Atkins, 1937-2019 This collection consist of plaques and various Family Memorabilia (Documents, Biography, Newspaper Clippings, Photo, Certificates, etc.) Mattie Stephens was the eleventh child to the late Reverend Lester and Alllie Neal Stephens'. She was born in Perry County, Alabama, about seven miles from Uniontown. She grew up there, doing chores on a rural farm typical in the state's Black Belt. In 1955 she earned a high school diploma from the Perry County Training School in Uniontown. The next year, she began a 56-year marriage to Isom Atkins. They had seven children. Mattie and Isom were prominent "Couples of the [Civil Rights] Struggle." They became involved in 1965, participating in the aborted "Bloody Sunday March" in Selma and many other marches. Mrs. Atkins became the first female member of the Perry County Board of Education in 1978. A decade later, she was board chairperson. Having been involved in the church and community organizations throughout her life, she received various awards. In 2015, President Barack Obama honored her at the White House for civil rights contributions as a educator, Voting Rights activist, and community leader. |
Search Terms |
Atkins, Mattie Stephens Civil Rights Civil Rights in Alabama Voting Rights Voting Rights in Alabama Selma to Montgomery March Perry County, Alabama Jackson, Jimmie Lee |
People |
Atkins, Mattie Stephens Jackson, Jimmie Lee |
Child Records |
Box 05 - Resolution Box 01 - Articles, Documents Box 02 - Award Box 03 - Resolution Box 04 - Certificate of Honor Box 06 - Resolution Box 07 - Certificate Box 08 - Certificate Box 09 - Certificate Box 10 - Plaque Box 11 - Framed Picture: Ms. Mattie Atkins with President Barack Obama & Congresswoman Terri Sewell. Box 12 - Framed Picture: Ms. Mattie Atkins with Michelle Obama Box 13 - Plaque |