AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Carrie J. Mays was a trailblazer for Black women across the South.

Born in 1928, Mays became the first woman ever elected to the Augusta City Council in 1970, just a couple years after the Civil Rights Movement. She was also the first Black woman elected to city council in the Southeast.

“She was a trailblazer,” said John Hayes, associate professor of history at Augusta University.

Breaking race and gender barriers

Mays broke both a race and gender barrier by getting elected. She defeated both a white businessman and a prominent Black minister in her race for city council.

Hayes said one of her biggest accomplishments was her role in creating a human relations commission.

The commission got legitimate funding and subpoena power. It opened new economic doors in terms of job opportunities and promotions for Augusta’s Black citizens, Hayes said.

Role in 1970 riot

Right before being elected to city council, Mays also played a role in the 1970 riot.

As a mortician, she sounded the alarm, disputing what authorities said happened to Charles Oatman.

“She’s in the crowd there and is demanding basically truth and justice holding white authorities to account,” Hayes said.

Lasting legacy

Mays went on to become secretary of the Georgia Democratic Party and a presidential elector.

Her legacy still lives on through the Carrie J. Mays Community Center, continuing to impact Augusta more than 30 years after her passing.

“She was a great person for Augusta, for Georgia, and for the United States,” Hayes said.

The Mays family can be found all over Augusta. Willie Mays the Third was the first Black mayor of the consolidated Augusta-Richmond County. Mays Mortuary has stood for about a century.

Mays Mortuary is one of just a few buildings left in what was the Black business district during the era of segregation.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta early voters are finding out that doing your homework goes along way.

“Well, my wife printed out the ballot for me, so I knew who I was going to vote for,” said Berley Green.

Whether Augusta voters select a Democrat primary ballot, Republican, or non-partisan, there are a lot of choices to make.

There is the mayor’s race, five commission races and two sales tax questions.

“This is probably the longest ballot we’re had in Richmond County in the 30 years that I’ve been here. I’ve never seen a ballot quite this long with so many candidates,” said Travis Doss, Elections Director

Doss recommends voters get a sample ballot and study it before heading to the polls. It paid off for some early voters.

“It was a huge ballot, but if you prepare ahead of time and kind of print your ballot out and go over it kind of vet the candidates beforehand, it kind of goes smooth,” said Nicole Floyd

Augusta voters are familiar with the SPLOST question on the ballot, but they may need to go read up on the half-penny FLOST tax for property tax relief.

“No, we’ve never had that before. That was due to a law change a couple of years ago that allowed counties to opt in or opt out as far as giving tax relief,” said Doss.

So, voters have a decision about Augusta having another sales tax.

“Do your homework on that, because it’s going to affect your pocketbook,” said Floyd.

“Enough taxes, enough taxes,” said Green.

“You’re not a supporter?”

No,” said Green.

Early voting continues until May 15th, so there is time to get up to speed on this sizable ballot.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Fire Department crews rushed to a structure fire Monday afternoon.

The fire was reported around 12:45 p.m. at a townhome complex on Claussen Road, according to authorities.

The units, located behind Canddlewood Suites, were evacuated and no one was injured.

Officials said the fire was a likely safety issue that possibly could have been avoided.