EVENT:

Dedication of the “Mary E. McCoy Post Office Building”

WHEN:

Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:

WHAT: On July 29, 2016, legislation introduced in the House of Representatives by
Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Michigan’s 14th District, was signed into law by
President Obama to rename the Post Office building located at 10721 E. Jefferson
Ave, Detroit, MI as the “Mary E. McCoy Post Office Building.”

WHO: The Honorable Brenda Lawrence, U.S. Representative, 14th Congressional District
of MI
Derron Bray, Postmaster, Detroit
Lee A. Thompson, USPS Dedicating Official, District Manager, Detroit District

McCoy has been hailed as the “Mother of Clubs”. She helped to launch the Michigan State Association of Colored Women along with Lucinda Thurman. This organization improved health, education, and economic opportunities for African Americans.

Mary McCoy also served as Vice President of the Lydian Association of Detroit. It provided sick and burial benefits for the African American community.

McCoy was also the founding president of the Sojourner Truth Memorial Association.  The association was established to honor Sojourner Truth and to provide scholarships for children of former slaves.

McCoy was a driving force in serving women and children during the Jim Crow Era. She is also credited with organizing the Phyllis Wheatley Home for Aged Colored Women in Detroit. She served as Vice President for the home. McCoy oversaw the purchase of an 11 room home in 1901. By 1915 the home had more than 40 female residents.

Mary McCoy was also a leading financial supporter of McCoy Home For Colored Children. The McCoy Home was an orphanage that also provided childcare for the children of domestic workers and washerwomen.

Although her husband, the renowned inventor Elijah McCoy, received much recognition, it was Mary who worked behind the scenes, using her influence to improve the lives of others.

Mary E. McCoy died in 1923 as a result of injuries sustained due to a car accident.

Mary E. McCoy was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 2012.