February is recognized nationwide as “Black History Month” and the Town of Williamston and The Journal are joining in the celebration by highlighting local African Americans who have had a positive impact on the community. This week Dr. Harold J. Mackey is being recognized.
Dr. Harold J. Mackey is a retired local, state, and nationally recognized educator of 40 years with Anderson School District 2.
He is married to the former Bobbie Mattison of Williamston, also a longtime teacher in Anderson School District One and they have a daughter, Harriette, also a teacher.
During his time as an educator, Dr. Mackey and his NFA/FFA students won more than 2700 honors and awards through the NFA/FFA Activites Program.
He is listed in the Congressional Records, Page E 1520, May 15, 1990 and received The “Order of the Palmetto” South Carolina’s highest civilian award on June 9, 1996.
Dr. Mackey received his Bachelor of Science, Master of Education and Doctorate Degrees from South Carolina State University, and his Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision from Clemson University.
The Dr. Harold J. Mackey and Family Scholarship was established at Palmetto High School by anonymous donors in the amount of $1,000 per year for four years in college for an Afro-American recipient.
Dr. Mackey served on the Board of Directors for First Union National Bank of Williamston and served as Chairman of that group. He also served on the State Department of Education Young African American Action Team Committee and State Agricultural Council.
He served as a Deacon, Business Manager and Department Superintendent and Sunday School Teacher at New Prospect Baptist Church in Williamston.
Dr. Mackey was elected and served 25 years on Williamston Town Council. He was Mayor Pro Tempore for the majority of the time.
During his time on council, the town saw many improvements including opening and expansion of Town Square Shopping Center, opening of a new American Federal Bank Building, road improvement projects and other economic development.
Mackey worked with council to bring water and sewer improvements to many residents in the town.
He was recognized in 1988 by the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate for his iinvolvement in remodeling of schools and other improvements in the town.
During his time on council The Town of Williamston completed, construction of a new Williamston police department and jail, which was state of the art at the time, a new fire station, wastewater treatment plant, baseball fields and other improvements to city parks.
The plaque reads: Black History Month Achievement Award presented to Harold J. Mackey – In Recognition Of His Life Achievements and Contributions. An advisor of Agricultural Education for 40 years, Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem for 25 Years. Dr. Mackey’s Contributions Extended Above and Beyond the Class Room and Government, But Also Reached The Community, Through His Financial and Spiritual Support Of The Local Church. Dr. Harold J. Mackey Has Been Recognized As A Pillar Of The Community And A Contributor To Its Growth.
