Treasuring the Legacy of McArthur Myers: A Pillar of Alexandria’s Community
A Heartfelt Farewell to a Dedicated Historian
Alexandria, VA, has bid farewell to McArthur Myers, a figure renowned for his passionate advocacy, remarkable storytelling, and unwavering commitment to social justice. As a Living Legend of Alexandria, Myers dedicated his life to ensuring that the stories of African Americans in the city would never fade into obscurity. His recently passed legacy at the age of 73 leaves an indelible mark on the community and its history.
Early Life: A Foundation of Courage
McArthur Myers was born in South Carolina and moved to Alexandria as a small child, just six months old. Growing up during the era of segregation, he faced significant challenges. Myers and his sister, Lucille, forged new paths as some of the first African American students at Prince Street Elementary School. Their bravery helped break barriers, setting a precedent for future generations. He played a critical role in integrating both the Alexandria Boys Club and its Boy Scout troop.
Following his graduation from T.C. Williams High School, Myers pursued further education in Administration of Justice at American University. This academic pursuit laid a solid foundation for a career spanning over 40 years with the District of Columbia Department of Mental Health.
Inspired by Pioneering Women
Myers often reflected on the influential women in his life who taught him the values of justice and service. His mother, Carrie Myers, was a civil rights activist known for her role as a “Block Captain,” leading initiatives in the struggle for equality. He also considered former Alexandria City Manager Vola Lawson as a guiding figure, referring to her as a second mother whose lessons in community organizing shaped his worldview.
Myers famously adopted the motto, “You got to step up and step in,” urging others to participate in the journey toward justice. His words resonated with many who were eager to join in the work of community stewardship.
Leadership in Freemasonry
Driven by a lifelong admiration for Masons in his community, Myers joined Universal Lodge #1 in 2012, the oldest Prince Hall Lodge in Virginia. As a dedicated historian, he advocated for the lodge’s historical importance, successfully petitioning the Virginia Department of Historic Resources for a commemorative marker in 2018. Myers served as the 174th Worshipful Master and later became the Grand Historian of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia.
He made history in 2016 by becoming the first African American member of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. This milestone exemplified both personal achievement and broader representation within the community.
Championing Alexandria’s African American History
Myers took his commitment to historical preservation a step further by initiating the placement of nine historical markers that recognize significant African American sites throughout Alexandria. His work included tributes to the legacy of figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and institutions like Third Baptist Church. He was a strong advocate for the Freedom House Museum and played a key role in developing the African American Heritage Trail—an enriching exploration of Alexandria’s rich historical tapestry.
Myers believed that Alexandria’s historical narrative was incomplete without acknowledging its African American contributions. “Tell the good, the bad, and the ugly. And you’ll find more beauty than ugly,” he stated, highlighting his desire to honor and represent all stories within the city’s fabric.
Confronting Alexandria’s History of Racial Terror
One of Myers’ critical commitments was to keep the memory of Joseph McCoy alive, a young Black man who was lynched in Alexandria in 1897. By collaborating with the Equal Justice Initiative’s Community Remembrance Project, he organized annual memorial gatherings that honored McCoy and stressed the importance of confronting racial injustice.
Myers believed that acknowledging such painful parts of history was vital to achieving healing and accountability. He dedicated himself to educating the community about McCoy’s story and spearheaded soil collection ceremonies, aiming to ensure that the past would not be forgotten.
A Guiding Light for Future Generations
Over 14 years, Myers mentored numerous young men, providing guidance rooted in experience and empathy. His involvement with various organizations, including the Alexandria Black History Museum Board and the Historic Resources Commission, highlighted his commitment to shaping a better future while honoring the past.
His work created a roadmap for future generations, demonstrating the power of knowledge, remembrance, and community service. Through his mentorship, he instilled the values that had guided him all his life.
His Enduring Spirit
In his final days, Myers battled significant health challenges but remained steadfast in his dedication to service and community upliftment. Friends described him as hopeful and resilient, always focused on the future and the work still to be done.
Even as he approached the end, Myers urged others to “stand on the shoulders of others,” encouraging a recognition of the past and a commitment to meaningful change. His belief that “One city, many stories” now stands as a testament to his enduring legacy, reminding Alexandria of the importance of diversity in its historical narrative.
As the community comes together to celebrate the remarkable life of McArthur Myers, his spirit and vision continue to inspire and guide Alexandria.