How many times have you heard someone marvel at Chattanooga’s transformation? Communities around the world are informed by a model known as “The Chattanooga Way” guiding their path to revitalization. Our city’s journey from one of the most polluted to one of the most coveted testifies to the vision of a board of 60 citizens, the Chattanooga Venture movement, and an intersection with the United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
As the nation honors Women’s History Month, Chattanooga celebrates one of its best known, Mai Bell Hurley, a leader whose vision, indomitable spirit and relentless faith in her city changed its landscape and brightened the future of its children.
In 1887, a woman was one of the visionaries who established the first coordinated fundraising campaign, establishing a Community Trust in Denver, Colo., and the model that would become the United Way. Since then, women have played key leadership roles, especially in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga with its annual campaigns and supported programs. Mrs. Gordon P. Street, Mrs. John T. Lupton and Mrs. Ruth S. Holmberg were the first women to join the board in 1967, though others had served previously as executives. Mai Bell Hurley was among 12 honored in 1971 for their long-term volunteer support of the agency.
A graduate of Bright School, Girls Preparatory School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Mai Bell had a thirst for knowledge, a love for her community and a passion for the welfare of its children. Marie Hurley Blair, her daughter, recalls that, “As a high school point [basketball] guard, she developed a knack for putting together a team, making key plays possible by highlighting the talents of its best players, later using that skill in a career in municipal government and community service.”
When she returned home from college, Mai Bell worked for the local newspaper and was assigned to cover the symphony, not part of her normal duties. When her former GPS headmaster spotted her, she’s reported to have said, “Mai Bell, you never did know your limits,” according to Blair. Encouraged by her loving husband, Bernard, Mai Bell built a career challenging limits, breaking barriers and changing lives.
In 1980, Mai Bell and friend Ruth Holmberg began serving on the board of the Community Chest as it transitioned to the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, and the city was beginning its own transformation. Mai Bell became the first woman to chair United Way’s board as well as the first to chair the annual campaign. She raised record levels of money and helped establish its community initiatives, including Success by 6 (later called Project Ready for School), the 211 Community Help Line and the Building Stable Lives program.
At this pivotal time, Mai Bell also took the helm at Chattanooga Venture, a project designed to use community engagement to achieve fundamental change in how the city viewed itself and to establish goals for its future. Her vice chair and second vice chair were friends, African American leaders and fellow United Way board members Moses Freeman and the Rev. Robert Keesee. Jack Murrah, representing the Lyndhurst Foundation, captured the spirit of the process, saying, “You will make a good community by lifting people’s vision and spirit.” Mai Bell devoted tireless efforts to achieving that goal for her Chattanooga, a city that had then lost its hope and identity.
A decade of service saw the landscape of the riverfront change, the creative spirit of the city grow and the impact of her work become a reality. She was the icon of community service, active in the civic life of the city and the arts, social services, education, and church organizations. Her work helped change Chattanooga’s trajectory and build a better future. When a 1987 challenge to the city’s system of government forced a new form, leaders encouraged Mai Bell to continue her service. She became the first city councilwoman.
Mai Bell served on the Chattanooga City Council for 11 years and was its chair for two. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Commission of Children, she served with leaders like Sen. Jay Rockefeller. Mai Bell was never afraid of being the only woman in a room. Her intellect, abilities and skill at connecting people made her a leader in every calling. Her legacy continues to uplift families, protect children and inspire future female leaders.
Jennifer Ley Crutchfield, a Chattanooga native, is an author and educator with a passion for connecting national history to local landmarks for students and families. Find her online at Chattanooga.Adventures.org.