Issue #1,000 Today In Black History, Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Oseola McCarty was an amazing American philanthropist whose life story continues to inspire millions of people around the world. Born in 1908 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, after her mother was raped, she became a symbol of selfless giving and showed just how powerful education can be.
McCarty grew up in poverty with limited opportunities. She had to leave school in sixth grade to take care of her sick grandmother. Instead of getting her own education, she became a laundress, washing and ironing clothes for families in Hattiesburg for nearly 75 years.
McCarty was incredibly disciplined about saving money. For decades, she lived simply, walked everywhere, never owned a car, skipped unnecessary expenses, and put away every penny she could. She just kept depositing her earnings into a local bank account, watching it grow little by little over the years.
When McCarty retired in 1994 at age 86, she had saved about $250,000. But instead of finally treating herself, she donated $150,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi to create a scholarship fund for Black students.
This gift was huge, especially considering Mississippi’s history of racial segregation (Southern Mississippi did not integrate until the 1960s) and how hard it was for Black students to get into college. McCarty believed deeply in the power of education to change lives and break the cycle of poverty.
Her donation grabbed national attention. The media loved her story, and suddenly she was famous. She received awards and recognition from President Bill Clinton, and her example inspired many people to give back and to start real conversations about generosity and responsibility.
Since then, her scholarship fund has helped hundreds of students attend college and pursue their dreams. Many of these students have become successful and even donors themselves, carrying on the legacy McCarty started.
What really stood out about McCarty was her humility. Even after becoming famous, she kept living simply and honestly, and wasn’t comfortable with all the attention. She’d brush off compliments and say she was just doing what felt right.
McCarty died in 1999, and she proved that no matter who you are or how much money you have, you can make a real difference.
Today In Black History
In 1837, The Weekly Advocate, the 2nd major Black newspaper, changed its name to The Colored American.
In 1871, after winning an at-large election to the 42nd Congress, Josiah Thomas Walls became the first Black Congressman to represent an entire state (Florida).
In 1954, James Ernest Wilkins was named Undersecretary of Labor by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
In 1957, the Gold Coast officially changed its name to Ghana ahead of its independence.
In 1968, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. announced his plans for the Poor People’s Campaign. He was assassinated exactly one month later on April 4, 1968.
In 1980, Robert Mugabe won the parliamentary election in Zimbabwe, becoming the country’s first Black prime minister.
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