Mary D. Williams

Photograph: Mary D. Williams stands in front of her grandparent's home in Smithfield, N.C. Photo by Sandra Davidson from the North Carolina Arts Council

WHEN MARY DOBBIN WILLIAMS SINGS, PEOPLE LISTEN.
The gospel singer, historian, and educator has a voice and a presence that demand attention. Williams captured the hearts and minds of people across our state and region who’ve witnessed her chronicle the history of the Civil Rights movement through song.
Born and raised in Garner, N.C., Williams grew up spending summer with her grandparents in Smithfield, N.C. Music was an integral part of her daily life – her father was a quartet singer and her grandmother was always singing.

“When her heart was heavy there were times when she would just be moaning,” says Williams. “Those songs gave her the tenacity when she was called names, when she was treated disrespectfully. It was like she was really telling me don’t allow what people say to you to be a blocking of you going further but use it as a stepping stone.”

In a typical performance, Williams weaves together African American spirituals from the Civil War era with more modern anthems of the Civil Rights Movement, connecting generations of music and social change.

Source:https://www.ncarts.org/.../365.../meet-mary-d-williams...

Source:https://www.marydwilliams.com/bio