Oseola McCarty, a humble washerwoman from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, became an inspiring symbol of generosity and commitment to education.
At the age of 87, she donated her life savings of $150,000, accumulated over decades of hard work, to the University of Southern Mississippi.
Her gift was dedicated to providing scholarships for financially needy African American students, helping them pursue higher education opportunities she never had. McCarty famously said, “I want to help somebody’s child go to college… so that the children won’t have to work as hard as I did.”
In recognition of her remarkable generosity, the University of Southern Mississippi honored her legacy with a life-size bronze statue, unveiled on the Hattiesburg campus on October 9, 2020. Created by artist Ben Watts, the statue features McCarty seated with an empty chair beside her, inviting others to sit and reflect on her impact.
This tribute stands as a reminder of McCarty’s selflessness and her lasting contribution to the lives of countless students and the community.
