In all the 14 years I’ve been blessed to work at the Recorder, there has been only one week I did not contribute a column to this editorial page. It was during October 2002, when my mother passed away. This week now marks the second time I will not contribute a full column, as we, the members of the Indianapolis Recorder family, mourn the loss of our Publisher, Bill Mays.
While I do share my thoughts of Bill Mays in the Recorder’s special memorial tabloid, this space is reserved for Recorder employees to contribute thoughts about the man who deeply impacted our lives. Shannon Williams
“I never formally met Mr. Mays but I had the pleasure of being in his presence on a few occasions. Once as a waitress, just over a year ago at New Orleans on the Avenue. That evening, everything had to be perfect as we were preparing to host a man who was as close to rock-star royalty as some of us would ever witness. As fate would have it, I’m now a part of his legacy as a member of the Recorder family. His impact was real and lasting, even on those who admired him from afar.” Ebony Chappel
“I remember when Mr. Mays would come into the office and always speak to me by name. I was amazed he even knew my name. I’ll also miss his voice on the other end of the phone saying ‘Hello, Bill Mays here’ when I would be at the receptionist desk. To the family of Mr. Mays, I know he will surely be missed and he was respected by so many. I am sorry for your loss.” Crystal Dalton
“Unfortunately, I never got the opportunity to meet Mr. Mays, however I have learned the art of giving through the many lives he touched. He seemed to be a charismatic, humble and truly caring individual who shared many aspects of his life with others. I am thankful he saw the importance in preserving the nation’s fourth-oldest surviving African-American newspaper. The Recorder has taught us all a great deal and I am thankful to have been a part of history in the making. Thank you Mr. Mays!” Victoria Davis
“I will miss hearing Mr. Mays’ voice on the phone saying, ‘Hello Angie darling, is the Recorder making money?’ He was such a brilliant businessman that I always learned something new from him every time I spoke to him. I am thankful to have worked for him, to have known him and to be a part of an organization that he deeply cared about. I will miss our annual meetings when I would look across the table and see his head bobbing and his eyes closed. Rest in peace Mr. Mays. You will be sorely missed.” Angela Eggers
“Mr. Mays was the ultimate philanthropist in Indianapolis’ African-American community. He was a true 21st century legend. He will be missed.” Dale Foster
“I never met the legendary businessman William G. Mays, and this missed introduction now becomes a source of both personal and professional regret. Professionally, it’s a disappointment any journalist can understand. When a pivotal figure like Mr. Mays passes away, it is too late to do an interview or seek their insights into the issues of the day. On a personal level, I regret never meeting Mr. Mays, because everyone here at the Recorder states that he was both wise and kind – an all too rare combination. I want to thank Mr. Mays for my job, which I love, and which allows me to provide for my kids.” Leslie L. Fuller
“Brother Bill Mays was a very generous man. Knowing him fraternally as a Freemason and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., he not only contributed financially when needed, but invested his time, patience, and mentorship to both peers and younger members of both fraternities. As a Freemason, our primary service is to God and our fellow man. As a Kappa, our motto is to train for leadership. He was mindful to walk in both as he knew he was a shining example to all of us who were made after him.” Chalton Graham
“My friend, Bill always had something fun, but positive, to say to me. I knew him long before I came to work at the Indianapolis Recorder and I will definitely miss his candid conversations.” John L. Hurst Jr.
“He was a wonderful man. Every time I was in his presence we would always laugh and talk. I really enjoyed those interactions.” Darnell Jemison
“I always enjoyed Mr. Mays’ kind smile and words of encouragement. It felt good to know he genuinely enjoyed my articles. I am also grateful for him saving a legacy, the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, years ago. Without which, I may have never experienced such an incredible career thus far.” Jessica R. Key
“My heart and prayers go out to the Mays family. I just want to thank Mr. Mays for welcoming me when my husband and I first moved to Indianapolis, and the good memories we shared through the years. These memories will never be forgotten. I will miss him saying, ‘Well, hello there!’ with a big smile.” Chantelle Melendez Diaz
“‘Do it right the first time,’ is a Bill Mays quote frequently heard in my home, directed at me from my wife, or toward a teenage daughter. Bill expected everyone to have the same commitment to hard work and ‘doing it right’ he had and took great pleasure in feeling he could count on you to come through. Over the years Bill was kind to my family, both professionally and personally and I will miss him very much as I strive to ‘do it right the first time.’” Jeffery Sellers
“I recall a time when a client had a discrepancy with our advertising policies. The client called Mr. Mays and the three of us met here at the Recorder. After we shared our stories the client said, ‘do you think I’m wrong?’ Mr. Mays said, ‘Absolutely, I do!’ I was pleased he trusted the decision I initially made. That was over 16 years ago and until this day, I knew he had my back. Mr. Mays, you will truly be missed and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to be under your leadership!” Lisa Shoemake
“My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Bill Mays. He will be greatly missed because of his dynamic leadership style. I am so proud to have worked under such a compassionate leader for the past 16 years.” Rita J. Wise
