Good Morning America Kicks Off Black History Month In Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (February 1, 2022) – As part of Good Morning America’s series that honors hometown heroes and recognizes those who selflessly give to others, the show travelled to Little Rock to honor Abrams with $25,000, gifted by Wells Fargo, to the Annie Abrams Living Legacy Scholarship at Ouachita Baptist University located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Abram’s hometown. In addition, the City of Little Rock and City Manager Bruce Moore surprised Abrams with the naming of a Little Rock Street in her honor — Annie McDaniel Abrams Street.

“When we shared with Good Morning America Ms. Annie’s life of service and her lifelong commitment to civil rights, they instantly fell in love and wanted to feature her,” said Gretchen Hall, LRCVB president and CEO. “The fact that they were here on the first day of Black History Month to honor her is a testament to her passion and drive, and the incredible Black culture and leadership she brings to Little Rock. It was also a wonderful way for LRCVB to kick-off our Black History Month promotions,” she added.

“Mother Abrams is truly a city of Little Rock matriarch,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. in an interview. “I don’t know of any city or state leader who has not sought her counsel,” he added.

Known to many as “Mother Abrams,” she has provided wisdom and friendship to all ages and races. She’s known for her signature statement, “Service is the rent you pay to live on this Earth. Have you paid any rent today?” Over the years, she has collected memorabilia related to Black culture and civil rights and has created a museum inside her home. She’s often seen on her front porch inviting locals to visit and share her experiences.

Among her many achievements, Abrams was instrumental in renaming Little Rock’s 14th Street for Daisy G. Bates, 20th Street for Mayor Charles Bussey, and High Street for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She has been awarded the Making of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Award by the national Martin Luther King Jr. Commission presented by Coretta Scott King, and the Arkansas Women’s Foundation of Arkansas’s First Lady’s Woman in Public Service Award. Additionally, Abrams is a member of the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame.

View the Good Morning America segment link here.