Civil rights champion Shirley McCall Fennell passes away at 77, leaving a legacy of justice and activism in Winston-Salem

Shirley McCall Fennell, 77, a revered icon in the civil rights movement, a staunch advocate for equality, and a beloved figure in the Winston-Salem community, passed away on Dec. 23 at Forsyth Medical Center. Born on May 19, 1946, in Winston-Salem to Rev. George James McCall and Pearl Baynes McCall Clinard. Shirley McCall Fennell’s journey as a fervent advocate for equality was shaped by herfamily’s deep-rooted commitment to social justice. Her father, a dedicated minister, instilled in her the values of fairness and equality. Her mother taught her that sacrifice was often necessary for the benefit of future generations. Her grandfather, Professor Nelson McCall, fearlessly spoke out against injustices faced by Blacks in rural South Carolina, while her great-grandfather, Frank McCall, was a stalwart member of the South Carolina Republican State Militia, offering protection to newly emancipated Blacks and a member of the USCT. Shirley’s unwavering dedication to civil rights was further fueled by her family’s legacy. Her cousin, Attorney John E. McCall, was a pioneering civil rights lawyer in South Carolina, while John E. McCall, Jr., his son, played a pivotal role in integrating schools in Cheraw. Additionally, her cousin, Yvonne L. McCall, was a member of the Black...