» Cynthia McCottry-Smith: Living, Empowering, and now, Resting in Excellence 

This post is written by Veer Mehta, Avery’s Mellon Project Archivist.
 

On a shortlist of modern Charlestonian heroes, a name most deserving of notoriety is Cynthia McCottry-Smith. Simply put, this is an individual who, in the sincerest sense of the word, devoted her life to civil activism and education. As we honor the woman that Averyites affectionately refers to as “Avery’s Angel,” we hope other progressive minds will strive to follow in her footsteps. This is selflessness in its purest fashion.  

Cynthia Elizabeth McCottry was born in 1922 to Lucille Turner and Andy McCottry. Like her mother and siblings before her, ‘Cinny’ graduated from the Avery Normal Institute in 1941. She continued her education at Bennett College and New York University, obtaining a master’s degree in education. ‘Ms. Cinny’s’ dedication to her craft is highlighted in her decades of teaching experience throughout the Lowcountry. She taught at Avery Normal Institute during its transition from a private institution to a Charleston public school. Additionally, she taught at Archer, Sanders Clyde, and Julian Mitchell Elementary Schools, while receiving several nominations and awards for teacher of the year.  

Ms. Cinny was one of the Avery Research Center’s initial collection donors and has consistently added materials to the Avery archives. These can be found within her family’s collection, The McCottry-Smith Family papers. Inside this collection, observers can witness the beautiful memories of the McCottry family and the remembrances of a woman who lived a life full of experiences that will touch the hearts of many. Because she was a historian at her core, Ms. Cinny documented, preserved, and allocated ephemera of her life’s journey, these are virtues of which the Avery Research Center is built upon.  
 
 Ms. Cinny was also proud and devoted club member. She was a thorough affiliate of the Phillis Wheatley Literary & Social Club, the Charleston Chapter of the LINKS, an Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror, and a board member of the Avery Institute for African American History and Culture. As one of the earliest Black women’s clubs in Charleston, The Phillis Wheatley Literary & Social Club has its origins within the Avery Normal Institute, their stated mission is “to promote interest in literary and community work and to lift others as they climb to higher heights.” Ms. Cinny’s club membership spanned over 70 years. She held offices of President, Vice President, and Recording Secretary. Additionally, she oversaw all club committees during her tenure. This organization sponsored programs that introduced guests to Charleston on an international scale. These guests include W.E.B. DuBois, Marian Anderson, Mary McCleod Bethune, Langston Hughes, and many others. In several ways, this once very small club, became a gateway for artists to present their work in the Lowcountry. Ms. Cinny was a pivotal factor in this.  

Civic engagement is a foundational pillar at the Avery Research Center. Here, we aim to replicate Ms. Cinny’s efforts to actively participate within the local community. Some of our current team members will frequently recall the earnest meetings they had with Ms. Cinny. Her advocacy, loyalty, and creativity are what separated her from other Lowcountry historians. She would repeatedly assist and provide guidance to Avery Research Center team members with numerous programs, which illustrated her passion for volunteerism.  

Cynthia McCottry-Smith Letter from Daniel Martin of the 9th Judicial Court, 1995

Cynthia McCottry-Smith Letter from Daniel Martin Sr. of the 9th Judicial Court, 1995

A letter of gratitude from elected Judge, Daniel E. Martin Sr., 1995

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Although I have only had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Cinny occasionally, the energy and soulfulness she demanded of a room was abundantly clear. As I write these words, I revisit my most vivid memory of her. I had just begun my internship at the Avery Research Center, and one of our biggest programs of the year was her 100th birthday celebration.

Naturally, in preparation for the event, I was only hoping to do my part: assisting when I was needed and making a good first impression with Charlestonians I had the potential to work with in the future. Then, Ms. Cinny entered the building on a proverbial flowerbed of joyous admiration from all attendees. In her quiet, peaceful demeanor, this individual immediately became the ultimate authority. Her aura embalmed the building on a spiritual level, and I do mean that literally. I felt privileged to be a witness to that day. I felt privileged to have had the opportunity to process her family’s archival collection. And I feel privileged and honored to write this memorial of her. Speaking for all the Avery staff, Ms. Cinny is a treasure whose life will continue to be glorified.

Portrait of Cynthia McCottry-Smith

Portrait of Cynthia McCottry-Smith

In loving memory of Cynthia McCottry-Smith, 1922-2025. 

We thank the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for supporting the processing of this archival collection. 

Image Credits

1. “Cynthia McCottry-Smith, Teacher at the Avery Normal Institute, 1949,” Box 15. Cynthia McCottry-Smith’s Photograph Album. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA. 
2. “Avery Dramatic Club, 1938,” Box 15. Cynthia McCottry-Smith’s Photograph Album. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA. 
3. “1942 Beach Photo,” Box 15. Cynthia McCottry-Smith’s Photograph Album. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA. 
4. “1948 Dress Gown Photo,” Box 15. Cynthia McCottry-Smith’s Photograph Album. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA. 
5. “Avery Normal Institute Faculty, 1950.” Box 15. Cynthia McCottry-Smith’s Photograph Album. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.          
6. “Cynthia McCottry-Smith’s 1st Grade Class, Julian Mitchell Elementary, 1984,” Box 15. Cynthia McCottry Smith’s Photograph Album. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA. 
7.  “Student Letter 1983,” Box 1, Folder 16, Letters from Students, 1951-1987 The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.
8.  “Teacher of the Year, c. 1950s,” Box 1, Folder 19, Teaching Honors and Awards, 1947-1990. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.
9. “Members of the Phillis Wheatley Literary and Social Club, 1949,” Box 6, folder 11. Phillis Wheatley Literary and Social Club: Photographs and Certificates. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.
10. “Phillis Wheatley Literary and Social Club Membership Card Renewal, 1991,” Box 6, folder 11. Phillis Wheatley Literary and Social Club: Photographs and Certificates. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.
11. “Phillis Wheatley Literary and Social Club Anniversary Reunion, 2005,” Box 6, folder 11. Phillis Wheatley Literary and Social Club: Photographs and Certificates. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.
12. “The Charleston, SC Chapter LINKS, Inc., 1988,” Box 9, Folder 10. The LINKS: Photographs, 1955-1988. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.
13. “Letter from Naomi Mackey,” Box 2, Folder 9. Handwritten Letters Addressed to Cynthia McCottry-Smith, 1941 – 2007. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA. 
14. “Letter from Daniel Martin Sr.,” Box 2, Folder 10. Letters of Appreciation, 1966 – 2004. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA. 
15. “Portrait of Cynthia McCottry,” Box 15. Cynthia McCottry-Smith’s Photograph Album. The McCottry-Smith family papers, Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA.