Annie Mable McDaniel Abrams: A prominent figure in Arkansas history

A major player in Arkansas history, politics, and civil rights best describes former schoolteacher Mrs. Annie Mable McDaniel Abrams.

Abrams, 82, was born in the Clark County town of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. The oldest of four siblings, she grew up in poverty during the Depression. But she overcame the hard times with good rearing from her parents and her sheer determination to succeed.

In 1946 Abrams came to Little Rock, seeking a better education, and graduated from what was then Dunbar High School. She later graduated from Philander Smith College, from which she also holds a honorary doctorate. She went on to teach school and play a major role in Arkansas’s history, politics, and civil rights.

The widow, mother of four and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church member is a walking history book. Visitors to her home might well think they were in a museum. Upon entering they will see, next to her family photos, a variety of political photos including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; former Arkansas Gov. Jim Guy Tucker and his family; former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater; and other prominent figures. Looking on her fireplace mantle, visitors will see the numerous awards given to Abrams for her civic and community service.

The late Jeffrey Hawkins, a local civil rights leader in the East End, inspired Abrams to become involved in politics as a teenager. At the age of 16, she got her first taste of politics helping to campaign for Hubert Humphrey for president, and went on to work on campaigns for the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Bill Clinton and John Glenn. She supported President Barack Obama during his two successful presidential campaigns, and also met him.

Abrams has been a community advocate for women’s issues, senior citizens’ issues (working with AARP), and other vital issues that are geared toward the betterment of humanity. She also has been asked to render her services as a counselor in the community.

“I have a public personality. You can always come to Annie Abrams’ porch, or come in the house [when it is cold] — and sit on the couch — to get some good advice,” Abrams said.

Abrams has worked at the national and international levels for more than 40 years. She was presented the National Federal Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission award in Washington, D.C., by the late Coretta Scott King. She was the first Arkansan and first woman elected to the National YWCA, and in 1978, she was selected to represent the World YWCA as board member of the National YWCA in New York City. She was also an NGO (non-governmental organization) delegate to a United Nations Conference, held in Geneva, Switzerland, that focused on combating institutional racism and discrimination.

Abrams has a strong message to inspire and motivate young people. “I want them to know that there is no limit to their accessibility,” she said.

She wants senior citizens to know that they are not too old to get involved in the community … that they must be vibrant and productive, rather than sitting around.

Abrams certainly isn’t doing so. Having no regrets about her life, she has no intention of calling it a day.

“I do not fear longevity,” she said. “My biggest challenge has been my greatest opportunity. All things are possible.”