People

O’Neal, Louis James

O’Neal served as president of the NAACP Clay County Chapter and received the Johnny Jackson NAACP Award. Sources: West Point Hall of Fame

O’Neal-McCray, Helen: Oral History

Helen O’Neal-McCray participated in the Freedom Rides in 1961. She describes the jail conditions for the Freedom Riders. The video excerpts come from the documentary The Children Shall Lead (link). Hellen O’Neal-McCray from Winter Institute on Vimeo. Her oral history may […]

Orr, John Nelson (J.N.)

Orr was the first African American elected to the City Board of Selectmen in West Point. He served two terms. Sources: West Point Hall of Fame

Owens, Webb and Dock

The Owens family’s interest in Civil Rights was well known throughout McComb. Mrs. Beulah Owens was secretary of the McComb NAACP. When Webb Owens, a retired railroad worker, returned home in 1961, he immediately became involved in the Movement. He […]