Mazola McKerson facts for kids

Mazola McKerson (born January 10, 1921, died October 18, 2014) was a very important person who achieved many "firsts" in her life. In 1977, she became the first African-American person and the first woman to be elected to the Ardmore City Council. Just two years later, in 1979, she made history again. McKerson became the first African-American female mayor of Ardmore, Oklahoma. She was also the first woman in the entire United States to be mayor of a city with over 30,000 people! Besides her public work, Mazola McKerson owned a popular restaurant called The Gourmet Restaurant in Ardmore from 1962 to 1997. She started this business from a small catering company in her home back in 1946.

Early Life and Beginnings

Mazola Holman McKerson was born on January 10, 1921. Her parents were Daisy Turner and Calvin Holman. She was born in a small community called Bluff, Oklahoma. After her father passed away early, Mazola moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, in 1929. She went to live with her mother's sister, Pearl May, who raised Mazola as her own child.

Her aunt worked as a maid for a wealthy family in Ardmore. By helping her aunt with chores, Mazola learned how to cook. This skill later helped her become very successful in the food business. On July 30, 1938, Mazola married Alfred McKerson. The couple faced financial challenges during the first years of their marriage. Soon, one of Mazola's cooking clients, Abby Reisen, suggested she start a catering business from her home.

Building a Business

Mazola's catering service grew very popular over the next ten years. It became so successful that she decided to open a restaurant. In 1962, McKerson bought a place for her restaurant, which she named The Gourmet. It quickly became known as one of the best places to eat in Ardmore. The restaurant was always full until 1994, when Mazola first retired.

Through her involvement with the PTA (Parent Teacher Association), people asked McKerson to run for city council. Her community helped pay for all her campaign costs. She was elected in 1977, becoming the first African-American person and the first woman to serve on the city council. Even though she faced some challenges, McKerson was well-known and respected in Ardmore because of her restaurant.

Becoming Mayor of Ardmore

In 1979, McKerson was elected as Ardmore's mayor. This made her the first African-American woman to hold this position. She was also the first woman in the United States to be mayor of a city with more than 30,000 people. Later, the former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh appointed her to the Commission on the Status of Women. McKerson also served as president of the Ladies of Action Club. In 1997, she was honored by being inducted into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame.

Awards and Achievements

Mazola McKerson received many awards and honors for her hard work and achievements:

• She was chosen as Woman of the Year by the YWCA in 1976.
• She served as Chairman of the Status of Women under Governor George Nigh.
• She was a delegate representing Ardmore at the White House Conference of Family Living in Washington, D. C.
• She served on the board of directors for the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce.
• She served on the Board of Directors of Higher Education in Oklahoma and was elected chairman from 1986 to 1988.
• She was selected as one of the Women of the Year in 1996-1997.
• She was chosen as the Spokesperson for the national recognition given to Ardmore as an All American City.
• She served on the board of directors and was elected Chairman of the Southwestern Museum in Ardmore.
• She was a member of the Women's Advisory Committee for Mercy Memorial Hospital in Ardmore.
• She was named Woman of the Year at the Pioneer Woman Museum in 1984.