Mattie Parham Bell

Carver High, Chesterfield County (1951)
Basketball (Legacy Selection)

Mattie Parham Bell’s family was the first black family to live in her neighborhood in Colonial Heights, VA. There being no black schools in the jurisdiction, Mattie and her siblings had to walk approximately four miles one way to attend the Matoaca Laboratory (Elementary) School on the campus of Virginia State College (now University). For this reason her mother did not allow her to begin school until she was 8 years old. She initially attended D. Webster Davis High School – also on the VSU campus. In 1948 she transferred to the newly opened George Washington Carver High School in Chesterfield County where she played varsity basketball. At this time girls played “Six on Six” basketball. This consisted of three forwards playing defense only and three guards playing offense only with each group playing only in half court. Mattie was an outstanding defensive player who dominated play with steals, blocked shots and overall quickness that matched many boys of her age. Playing on back to back State Runner-up teams coached by Mrs. Roberta Harris White, Mattie was selected to the Virginia Interscholastic Athletic League (VIAL) All State Basketball Team. She continued her education at VSU School of the Industries and earned a Terminal Certificate in Tailoring. She served with distinction on the staff of VSU for 40 years - including as assistant instructor in Tailoring. Mattie’s community service includes assisting in the founding of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and she is a lifelong supporter of the Good Sheppard Baptist Church.