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Presidential Citizens Medal Recipient Oseola McCarthy
(1908-1999)
As a young girl growing up in Mississippi, she dreamed of becoming a nurse because she wanted to help people. Oseola McCarty, however, had to drop out of school in the sixth grade to take care of her family. So, instead of becoming a nurse, she washed people's clothes all of her life. She lived a frugal life, saved what she could from the little money she made, and late in her life, donated $ 250,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi to provide scholarships for deserving students. Matching contributions from others that heard about McCarty's donation have increased the scholarship fund to $340,000. McCarty represents the millionaire next door phenomenon and a tradition within African American philanthropy, people who (later in life) unassumingly donate their substantial life savings to charities.
MISS OSEOLA McCARTY'S MAJOR AWARDS, APPEARANCES, INTERVIEWS,
AND SCHOLARS INFORMATION
1995
September 23: The Presidential Citizens Medal - Washington, D.C.
By President Bill Clinton. Awarded the nation's second-highest civilian honor, in White House ceremonies and was the President's guest that evening at a dinner of the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus.
October 28: Friend Of Southern Miss Award
Presented by The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association.
November 8: Honored by the National Society of Fundraising Executives, Jackson, Mississippi
They award was originated for Miss McCarthy
November 14: Wallenberg Humanitarian Award, New York
Presented by the Wallenberg Foundation at the New York Hilton.
Community Heroes Award. Presented by the National Urban League during a black tie dinner at the New York Hilton. Stephanie Bullock recipient of the first Oseola McCarty Scholarship was also present for this award. New York.
November 15: Awarded Gold Medal
Presented by the National Institute of Social Sciences, Union League Club. New York
November 30: The Avicenna Medal. Presented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO)
Mr. Jorge Werthein, UN representative and director of the New York office of UNESCO presented the award during a dinner in Hattiesburg, honoring Miss McCarty for her contribution to education. Past recipients of the medal have included Egyptian President Mubarak and Indonesia President Suharto.
December 6: Honorary Lifetime Member, Institute for Learning in Retirement - The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Miss.
Presented during a reception and program on campus at The University of Southern Mississippi making her an honorary lifetime member.
December 8: Living LeGeorgiacy Award.
Presented by the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. Several Distinguished African Americans were honored at the same event, including retired former NAACP Executive Director Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks.
1996
January 9: Honored at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi during a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 12: Harriett Tubman Award, Jackson, Miss.
Presented by the Magnolia Bar Association.
February 1: Premier Black Woman of Courage Award - Washington, D.C.
Presented by the National Federation of Black Women Business Owners
February 14: African-American Family Preservation Award. Presented in Philadelphia, PA
Presented by Blacks Networking for Progress Inc. (State Sen. Hardy WilliaMiss.).
February 20: 1996 Summer Olympics. Torch carrier
Miss McCarty was selected along with celebrated Jackson, Miss., writer Eudora Welty to be among 52 Mississippians to carry the 1996 Summer Olympics torch. She was nominated for the Community Hero Torchbearer program by cadets of the Southern Miss Air Force ROTC program.
March 12: Humanized Education Award
Friend of Education Award Presented by the Mississippi Association of Educators. Jackson, Miss.
March 21: Honored Southern Miss School of Nursing
Miss McCarty often said that she always wanted to be a nurse. She was honored for her interest in nursing.
March 31: Award of Distinction- Oxford, Miss.
Presented by the University of Mississippi.
April 4: 1995 Drum Major For Justice 'EDUCATION' Award - Atlanta, Georgia
Presented by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during a dinner at the Marriott Marquis Hotel.
April 14: Celebrated Citizen of Wayne County
Miss McCarty was honored at the Wayne County, Mississippi, Library. This is the county in which Miss McCarty was born.
April 26: 1996 Essence Award - New York, NY
Presented by Essence Magazine during a program taped for national television by the Fox Network.
May 2: AeTenn.a Award - New York City
Presented by the AeTenn.a Foundation.
May 3: Honored by Southern Miss Foundation during its annual black-tie recognition dinner in Biloxi, Miss.
May 10: Woman of the Year Award - West Point, Miss.
Presented by the Black Expo '96
May 18: Honored by the Mississippi Democratic Party. Jackson, Mississippi.
May 21: AARP's 1996 ANDRUS AWARD - Denver, Colo.
Presented by the American Association of Retired Persons.
May 25: Olympic Torch Relay participation in Columbia, Miss.
June 1: 1996 Empowerment Award - Memphis, Tenn.
Presented by the 1996 Sisterhood Outreach Summit and Showcase.
June 2: Honorary Nurse, Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Memphis, Tenn.
June 6: Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree - Harvard University, Harvard, Mass.
July 4: Grand Marshall - EURO Reunion Parade, Hattiesburg, Miss.
EURO is the combined class reunion of graduates from the Eureka and Rowan, formerly black high schools, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Miss McCarty was the first ever grand marshall for their parade.
Summer: The African American Christian Publishing and Communications Company
They used Miss McCarty's story and artist rendering of her photograph as part of a course for Vacation Bible School literature. She was designated a Pace Setter, and her life and story was lifted up to help young Black children aspire to bigger and better things.
August 9: Salute To WDAM-TV On 40th Anniversary, PSA taped
August 18: Honored by her home church. Hattiesburg, Miss.
Friendship Baptist Church, Rev. Woodrow ArMiss.trong
August 23: Newsmaker Award - Nashville, Tenn.
Presented by the National Association of Black Journalists.
September 18: American Heroes.
Miss McCarty was interviewed for the first program of a new USA Network series, "American Heroes." The program is hosed by Robin Leach, who came to Hattiesburg to interview Miss McCarty in her home and on the campus of the University of Southern Miss.
October 1,8,15: Water Color Class. Institute for Learning in Retirement, The University of Southern Mississippi.
October 11: National Education Association's Board of Directors - Washington, D.C.
Honored For Her Unselfish Gift To Help Needy Students.
October 19: 1996 Humanitarian Award - The Community Church of Morrisania, The Bronx, New York.
Miss McCarty received this award for exemplifying the goals and objectives of the Ministry of Human Concerns of this congregiation.
October 26: Award For Philanthropy - Tacoma, Washington
Presented by L.I.N.K.S. The award and luncheon is to inspire area youth toward greater persona achievements and encourage more people to give funding for scholarships and support community services. LINKS will make contribution to Oseola McCarty scholarship fund.
October 29: Inaugural Book Signing - Hattiesburg, Miss.
Oseola McCarty's Simple Wisdom For Rich Living. University of Southern Mississippi Alumni House
November 20: Tribute to Women Who Have Played Significant Roles in Individuals Lives In The Community.
Presented by: The Women's Foundation of Greater Memphis - Virginia Dunaway, Executive Director
November 21: OPRAH WINFREY SHOW
Taped in Chicago. Air date, January 3, 1997
December 5: National Builder Award
Presented by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. Biloxi, Miss.
December 27: Lifetime Achievement Award - Washington, D.C.
Presented by the McMillion Group of Los Angeles, CA. Award presented at Formal Banquet during National Night of Honors Scholarship Fund Banquet. Award included $2,500 to the Oseola McCarty Scholarship Fund.
December 31: Helped New York Mayor Rudolph Guiliani drop the ball in Times Square to ring in the new year.
1997
January 13: Fifth Annual Trumpet Awards - Atlanta, Georgia
Miss McCarty participated in four days of activities and was recognized at the awards ceremonies. Presented by Turner Broadcasting
January 21: North Main Historic Neighborhood Association - Hattiesburg, Miss.
Miss McCarty is a resident of this Historic Neighborhood and was honored with a reception.
February 3: Black History Month Honoree - San Bernardino, Calif.
Miss McCarty is one of four African Americans invited to be honored by the City of San Bernardino, Calif.
February 12: Award In Philanthropy - Atlanta, Georgia
Council for Advance and Support of Education (CASE) District III. Annual meeting.
February 20: Black History Month Honoree
From the Board of Trustees of Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, Jackson, Mississippi,
February 28: Armed Forces Retirement Home - Gulfport, Miss.
Honored during Black Heritage Celebration
March 11: Franciscan Foundation - Cincinnati, Ohio
Honored for philanthropy. Toured Proctor and Georgiamble Ivorydale Plant and saw Tide manufactured. Miss McCarty used Tide exclusively in her washing.
March 15: National Council of Negro Women - Jackson, Miss.
Received the Fannie Lou Hamer Award.
April 4: Leaksville School - Leaksville, Miss.
Mississippi Day Activities. Honored Miss McCarty during ceremonies.
April 9: Mississippi Alliance For Minority Participation - Hattiesburg, Miss.
Miss McCarty was honored guest during their awards dinner.
April 15: Jackson State University - Jackson, Miss.
Honored Miss McCarty with luncheon, reception and gift.
April 17: Phi Kappa Phi - Southern Miss, Hattiesburg
Honored Miss McCarty during a brown bag lunch to celebrate anniversary of organization.
April 19: WSLI Radio - Jackson, Miss.
Interviewed Miss McCarty on Saturday morning radio program.
April 29: Internet Interview
Worldwide Interview on American On Line on the Internet, via telephone.
April 29: Mississippi Head Start Directors - Jackson, Miss.
Received a humanitarian award.
May 10: Alcorn State University - Lorman, Miss.
Commencement Speaker via video in pre-taped interview shows on large screen to commencement audience.
June 12-14: Center for Urban Resources, NAACP - Cleveland, OH
June 19-20: Jefferson Award - Washington, D.C.
Miss McCarty received a prestigious Jefferson Award at the National Celebration of Service to America.
July 4-6: Phi Beta Sigma - Orlando, FL
Honored during national convention.
July 12-13: Miss Mississippi Pageant - Vicksburg, Miss.
Presented roses to winning Miss Mississippi
Sept. 27: Little Rock Baptist Church - Gulfport, Miss.
October 4: Clarke County Wildlife Day - Quitman, Miss.
October 9: Pinecrest Central Labor Org. - Hattiesburg, Miss.
Presented plaque
October 31: National Author Day - Hattiesburg, Miss.
Appearance at Ye Olde Book Shop
Nov. 5: Hawkins Jr. High School -- Hattiesburg, Miss.
National Honor Society - Honorary Member
Nov. 7-8: National Council of Negro Women - Atlanta, Georgia
Award/Plaque
Nov. 17-18: Jefferson Awards - Washington, D.C.
Alumni Georgiathering (Award in June)
Nov. 20-22: National Association of Black School Educators - Sparks, Nevada
Living Legend Award
December 4: Photo session with Ted Turner for New York Times, Atlanta, Georgia
CNN Interview
December 8-9: Economic Security 2000 - Washington, D.C.
Participated in event
December 11: Vicksburg Elementary School - Vicksburg, Miss.
Appearance with elementary school children
1998
Miss McCarty Took January, 1998 off.
February 12: University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, Penn.
African American Alumni Council, Guest of Honor for Homecoming
February 19-21: Emory University - Atlanta, Georgia
Candler School of Theology Black Student Caucus Heritage Award
February 26: Stennis Space Center - Stennis Space Center, Miss.
Guest of Honor, Black History Month
February 28: Read Across America - Jackson, Miss.
Mississippi Association of Educators
April 7:Miss McCarty had extensive major surgery. All engagements canceled indefinitely. Miss McCarty's surgery was successful, and following a hospital stay she spent a time at home with sitters. She is currently living in an assisted living home not very far from the University. Miss McCarty has her own room, enjoys the community cafeteria with other guests. Her visitors are frequent. She has had a second surgery, unrelated to the first, and is making satisfactory recovery.
May 15: The University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg, Miss.
Received an Honorary Degree - Doctor of Humane Letters. The first honorary degree ever awarded at Southern Miss. She presented the diploma to the first McCarty Scholarship recipient.
October 5:THE POWER OF CHARACTER Prominent Americans Talk About Life, Family Work, Values, and More.Edited by Michael S. Josephson and Wes Hanson. A publication of the Josephson Institute of Ethics and the Character Counts Coalition. Jossey-Bass., Publishers. San Francisco, Ca. Miss McCarty is one of over 40 distinguished Americans to share their perspectives on the meaning of character in family, life, community, and work.
October 19: VANITY FAIR Magazine
Miss McCarty listed among America's Most Influential Women. Miss McCarty is not pictured due to not being able to be present for the photo session.
October 20:The Riches of Oseola McCartyby Evelyn Coleman, Illustrated by Daniel Minter, Albert Whitman & Company, Morton Grove, Illinois. This is a childrens book about Miss McCarty's life. It is the second book to be published in her regard.
1999
May, 1999: Stephanie Bullock graduated
Stephanie is the student who received the first McCarty Scholarship.
May, 1999: Humanitarian of The Century
This award voted by the readers of the Clarion Ledger, Mississippi's largest daily newspaper.
Sept. 26: Miss McCarty died quietly in her home, following a lengthy illness.
She lived on Miller Street in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This is the same home in which she had lived and carried on her laundry business. Following Miss McCarty's death calls continue to come about from publishers, researchers, students writing papers, and a host of others.
2000
June 2: New McCarty Scholars - Hattiesburg, Miss.
Two graduating high school seniors from Hattiesburg and Waynesboro were named as recipients of Oseola McCarty Endowed Scholarships at The University of Southern Mississippi. Rachel Gray, 18, a graduate of Wayne County High School at Waynesboro, and Tymika Curb, 18, set to graduate June 4 at Hattiesburg High School, are the 10th and 11th winners of full-tuition, $2,400 scholarships for the 2000-2001 school year.
2001
2001: Miss McCarty honored posthumously by Worth Magazine, as one of several who had changed the way people think about giving.
2002
April 25: The University of Southern Mississippi names its new residence hall, Oseola McCarty Hall.
This naming was initiated by the Student Government Association and the Residence Hall Council.
Book
The Riches of Oseola McCarthyby Evelyn Coleman, illustrated by Daniel Minter (Albert Whitman, Morton Grove, Illinois) A few years ago, McCarthy, at the age of 87, became a household name after she endowed a college scholarship with the savings she had amassed over a lifetime as a laundress. This affectionate biography salutes the dignity of hard work and keeps us mindful of the privilege that underlies education.
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Citizens Medal History
