Dr. Mary T. Christian, College’s 2020 Presidential Leadership Award Honoree
Thomas Nelson Community College's Black History Month observance will end Feb. 28 with the presentation of its 14th Presidential Leadership Award. This year's honoree is the late Dr. Mary T. Christian , a champion of education and community leader whose public service included nine years as a Virginia lawmaker representing the 92nd House District.
Christian died in November at age 95. Her advocacy for education included staunch support for Thomas Nelson. The Peninsula community, in recognition, gathered at the Hampton campus on Jan. 15, 2003 to dedicate the College's 550-seat auditorium in Templin Hall to her. Taking place on Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, the dedication was particularly significant as she embodied King's dream -- "open the doors of opportunity to all."
Founder of the Barrett-Peake Heritage Foundation, which was established to preserve African American heritage sites, upgrade and secure signage for historic cemeteries, and develop new educational and cultural programs, she achieved several firsts. Christian was the first black woman to serve on the Hampton School Board, first African American and the first woman to represent her district in Virginia's House of Delegates since Reconstruction, and she was among the first African American appointees to the House Appropriations Committee. Education causes and school funding topped her list of priorities as a lawmaker.
Christian held a bachelor's degree in elementary education from then-Hampton Institute in 1955, a master's degree from Columbia University in 1960 and a Ph.D. in education from Michigan State University in 1967. She served over 25 yeas as a professor at Hampton University and retired in 1989 as dean of the school of education, taking on the title of professor emeritus.
The Feb. 28 ceremony in Templin Hall will feature a performance by Hampton University graduate Morgan McCoy called "Evolution of a Black Girl." An actress, author and speaker, she appeared in the feature film "Harriet." She said Christian inspired her greatly.
"She's deserving of every award she's ever received. She was a very big supporter, and encouraging me as I was developing as an actress and as a historical interpreter. Dr. Christian definitely lit that spark of my interest in the arts," said McCoy, who is also a producer, director and editor.
The evening will conclude with Christian's daughter Benita Toler accepting the Presidential Leadership Award in her mother's honor.