Black icons commemorated in mural

​Five of Elgin’s most influential black leaders were honored and forever immortalized with a massive mural dedication on Saturday, Jan. 14

The mural, located at the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue, recognized Harvey Westbrook, Annie Lee Haywood, S.H. McShan, Dorothy McCarther and Monty Joe Thomas. The painting is 50 feet long and 20 feet high, covering the entire wall on the side of the building facing South Main Street. 

​Westbrook was a civil rights activist and lifelong Elgin resident. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Westbrook went on to earn a master’s degree in agricultural education. He enjoyed a successful career as a real estate broker, insurance agent and owner of the Westbrook Apartments and expanded section of the Westbrook Memorial Gardens.