DALLAS — There is pride in knowing who you are as a person. Willie Mae Coleman has 89 years worth of stories to tell. “We were poor.
Our parents were very very poor. Poor as dirt,” said Ms. Coleman.
“But the music. People start playing music, they forget all of that child. We’d all be out there in the neighborhood dancing.
” Ms. Coleman grew up in South Dallas. Many refer to her as the unofficial mayor of South Dallas.
Her work in the community and with various leaders backs that up too. Her home has dozens of plaques, trophies and awards commending her work. She has created memories just like the ones shared with her family.
“His mother always dressed him up,” said Ms. Coleman as she showed pictures of relatives. “That’s my mom,” said Ms.
Coleman. “Eulah Mae Shaw, that was her maiden name.” Her grandmother was Safronia Shaw.
Her maiden name was Townsend. It is the last name belonging to Mr. Townsend who owned the Louisiana farm where her family had little option but to work and live there.
“He owned my grandmother and them,” said Ms. Coleman. “When she said she was 13, a man came and said, ‘Y'all free.
Y’all free.’ My grandmother said, ‘Free?’ He said, ‘Yeah, the Massa can’t tell you what to do now because y’all, we’re free.’” Ms.
Coleman said Mr. Townsend pushed back. “Mr.
Townsend said you are going to work. You are my negroes. You’re going to work.
They said no and they fought ,” said Ms. Coleman. “My grandmothe.