William Henry Wall, at left, was a leader in the Kingville area of Albemarle. Over the years he helped lead efforts that led to improvements in the community. In March 1951, Wall had the distinction of becoming Stanly County’s first known Black resident to run for political office. He was one of 11 candidates who were running to fill five seats on the Albemarle City Council. Wall did not win a seat on the council that year and as far as I can determine he did not run for office again. The next known Black candidates to run for office in Stanly County were Lafayette Green, who ran for Stanly County School Board in 1972, and Albert Rush, who ran for Norwood Town Council in 1973. Even though they were not successful either, these men all helped pave the way for Douglas Waddell, at right, who was elected to the Albemarle City School Board in 1981. {Lewis Bramlett – Stanly County Historical Society}