Honoring Women’s History Month: Four Amazing Women Making a Difference in the Communities They Serve
by Clarence Thomas, Jr. (thomasjr63@gmail.com), MGI Contributor
from left, Mary Whipple-Lue, Gina Ward, and Della Golden
The Middle Georgia Informer always actively seeks to familiarize readers with under the radar Middle Georgians worth knowing about. The women in this article definitely are that, and then some.
Mary Whipple-Lue — an ordained Pastor/Minister with a Doctoral degree in Theology, motivational speaker, businesswoman, and recording artist — presided over Gordon as its first Black and Female Mayor from 2014-2017. Prior to her term as the city’s CEO, she served on Gordon’s Planning and Zoning Board over a decade. Whipple-Lue also was elected as a member of the Wilkinson County Board of Education for eight years as its first Black & Female member. She also served as Chairperson of the Wilkinson County Democratic Party and on the Board of Elections.
She’s worked alongside some heavy hitters including former Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and says being involved civically as a dedicated citizen has always been her passion. “We must know the difference between a politician and public servant. I choose to be a public servant,” said Whipple-Lue.
Despite attempted distractions following her request to Gordon’s City Council for a Forensic Audit, Whipple-Lue says she intentionally rode the storms with her faith in God, grace, dignity, professionalism, and confidence in her cause. Staying focused helped her to get city employees direct deposit, improve Gordon’s infrastructure, and rearrange the former Council meetings to a more agreeable one she says.
Whipple-Lue believes history will treat her kindly and record her as a keeper of her word and a mayor that stopped Gordon’s regression. “I was elected by the people and served passionately without fear,” she stated . “If everything was easy almost everyone could do it.”
Toomsboro has a friend in Mayor Joyce Mitchell Denson. During a conversation with the Middle Georgia Informer, the Atlanta native nearly talked more about the town than herself. The small Wilkinson County city of 453 people hooked and held her thanks to an initial visit with her husband to his hometown 41 years ago. “It’s quite a place. Everyone here knows and looks out for each other. That really touches me,” Denson shared.
Who knew that in addition to leaving Atlanta for Toomsboro, she would one day be the mayor. In her second term as mayor, Denson is focused on rebuilding it. The city recently purchased a privately owned church building and turned it into a city owned resource and event center.
As an Evangelist, Denson believes in helping others. She worked to increase Toomsboro’s quality of life by helping to sponsor various activities and events, such as the annual walk to eradicate Alzheimer’s disease, back to school and food drives, a car show, and jazz concert. The city is in the process of renovating the public park for exercise, sports gatherings, and relaxation for a healthier community. “I truly believe we are here to help others. If you’re doing something to help the community then that’s what matters,” said Denson.
Without the benefit of personally knowing either of the mayors, recently retired historic Douglass Theatre executive director Gina Ward echoed some of what Whipple-Lue and Denson said. She too believes in quality service and took a leap of faith 20 years ago when the opportunity to lead the theatre became available during her contractual work there as business manager. “Mr. Douglass’ story was such a great story. My goal as business manager was to just stabilize the facility. But it turned into being there 21 amazing years,” Ward said.
Some of her favorite memories include sitting with Douglass’ daughter Lily Douglass Hatchett Jones, meeting and greeting greats like actress Jasmine Guy, former Supreme Mary Wilson, jazz legend Regina Carter and many others; along with co-presiding over the 100-year celebration in 2021 of the house Macon’s Charles Henry Douglass built in 1921.
Ward worked hard to keep with Douglass’ mission of providing the community a place to experience multi-cultural platforms in a viable venue preserved for entertainment and education. “The Douglass Theatre is one of only a few places of its kind left. That’s significant, so keeping it thriving and relevant was what I showed up for each day,” she added.
Rounding out this group of noteworthy Black female servant leaders is Macon based activist Della Golden. Primarily known for her work as a helper to the late great Sarah Hunt, president of the local chapter of the National Action Network, and assistant to South Macon Arts Revitalization Technology co-founder Frankie Lewis – Golden is also an actress and singer.
She is a prominent former member of the Interfaith Community Choir, founded by the late Reverend Ronald E. Terry, and current co-star in the movies Possum Trot and Edith’s Moon, a period piece written, directed, and produced by recording artist Leroy “Ace” Miller. Golden considers herself a community servant. “I’ve been on the battlefield a long time,” she said. “I just felt the need to help somebody so my living wouldn’t be in vain.”
These days in between attending community meetings, recording events, and communicating important information to masses, Golden can be found portraying important historic figures like Bessie Smith, who she brought back to life during the Tubman Museum’s Black History Month historic figures reenactments.
Golden loves youth and encourages them to take pride and focus on getting a good education. She advocates peace in the streets and urges young people, especially Black youth to position themselves now for greatness. “I love helping people through educating them,” she says. “That’s how you help the children.”
