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Five of Elgin’s most influential black leaders were honored and forever immortalized with a massive mural dedication on Saturday, Jan. 14
The mural, located at the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue, recognized Harvey Westbrook, Annie Lee Haywood, S.H. McShan, Dorothy McCarther and Monty Joe Thomas. The painting is 50 feet long and 20 feet high, covering the entire wall on the side of the building facing South Main Street.
Westbrook was a civil rights activist and lifelong Elgin resident. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Westbrook went on to earn a master’s degree in agricultural education. He enjoyed a successful career as a real estate broker, insurance agent and owner of the Westbrook Apartments and expanded section of the Westbrook Memorial Gardens.
Perhaps Westbrook’s most prized achievement was through his role as president of the Elgin branch of the NAACP. In this position, Westbrook fought endlessly to ensure all members of the community had equal access to resources and public services.
“The consolidation of the black community’s growing power in Elgin and the NAACP allowed the community to get the attention that was needed through the state and congressional representation,” said Westbrook’s son Richard Stancil
Haywood was revered in the community for her contributions as an educator. She earned her master’s degree in elementary education before embarking on an illustrious and impactful career.
Haywood played an integral role in Elgin’s Head Start program, was the first black teacher to desegregate Elgin schools and retired from Elgin ISD after 31 years. She was also a member of the NAACP and was awarded Most Worthy Citizen in 1992.
“Her legacy has grown more and more,” said Haywood’s daughter Emma Grace Mosby. “I am so proud that people are still remembering her for years, years, years and years… And just remember, she will never let you use the incorrect grammar.”
S.H. McShan, father of current Elgin mayor Theresa McShan, owned one of the most beloved businesses in town: McShan’s Barber Shop. He became a master barber in 1964 and eventually opened his own shop in downtown Elgin, 101 Central Ave., where it still stands today.
S.H. McShan served the community in a number of ways, such as his involvement with the church community, Elgin Parks Board and the Elgin Economic Development Corporation. Since retiring, McShan’s grandson Terrance McDowell has taken over the family business.
“The best thing in the world is that he brought us all up in the church,” said Theresa McShan. “I can’t thank him enough for that… He always made for sure that we had everything we needed.. I learned how to earn what I wanted.”
Thomas was a celebrated gospel recording artist and proud Elgin resident. He sang and played guitar in a number of groups, including The Gospel Mourners, The Thomas Family and Milton Hill & The Gospel Soul Singers. The Gospel Mourners could be heard every Sunday morning on KTAE 1260AM in Taylor.
In addition to his musical brilliance, Thomas was the owner of Thomas Appliance Service for 50 years, coached little league sports, and partook in a number of community service organizations. He was named Mr. Juneteenth in 2004.
“He touched so many lives,” said Barbara Thomas, the daughter of Monty Joe. “Monty would always say, ‘It takes all kinds of people to make the world go round.’ … He gave me, he gave you the blueprint of life.”
McCarther is still going strong as the owner of Dorothy’s Fine Jewelry, located at 104 Depot St., in downtown Elgin. She’s a certified gemologist and has been a pillar in the community since starting her own business in 1992. She offers top-tier gemstones, high school class rings, wedding band sets and distinctive jewelry synonymous with African-American and Hispanic communities.
McCarther is also an active participant in the Main Street Program, Chamber of Commerce and her church.
“It is a blessing; it is an honor; it is a privilege to be placed on this black icon mural,” McCarther said. “We give thanks to our family for all the love and support they have shown.”
Renowned artist Jeremy Biggers was praised for his execution of the mural painting and also addressed the audience in attendance.
Thomas’ family delivered a heartfelt performance in honor of the late Monty Joe Thomas. There were several other emotive musical performances as well.
