Lessons from the Shoeshine Boy Who Made History

Image courtesy of Marietta Daily Journal

For the third installment of our Black History in the Making series, I sat down with a neighbor who brings a lifetime of heavy-hitting experience to our local conversations: Michael Murphy.

A resident of District 1, Michael has called Mableton since 1999, where he lives with his wife, Vanessa. He is a familiar face at city meetings, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and a former candidate for Mableton Mayor.

To understand the perspective he brings to our city gatherings today, you have to look back at the journey that brought him here—from a barbershop in the South to the high-stakes world of corporate boardrooms and state government.

Lessons of the Shoeshine Boy

Michael was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but he grew up in Washington, D.C. His character was truly forged during his summer trips back to North Carolina to work in his grandfather’s barbershop. Working as a shoeshine boy, Michael earned more than just pocket change; he earned a philosophy for life.

"My grandfather instilled in me the principles of independent thinking, self-determination, and respect for people," Michael says. "He taught me that you cannot be afraid to take the road least traveled."

In that barbershop, Michael learned that stewardship isn't just a buzzword. It’s the quiet, unified commitment to your own principles and your community, regardless of the trends of the day.

Turning Barriers into Resilience

Another key moment in Michael's life that could have embittered him, but instead defined his resilience, occurred in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was flatly refused a pair of bowling shoes because of the color of his skin.

It was a blatant act of discrimination, but Michael chose a different perspective. "You don’t let it be a barrier," he explains.

This philosophy of taking the energy of an obstacle and using it to spring higher became the cornerstone of his leadership. For Michael, Black History is the story of people who refused to be held back by the barriers placed in their way, instead using those challenges to propel themselves and their communities forward.

From Corporate Excellence to Public Service

After graduating from Archbishop Carroll High School in Northeast Washington, Michael earned a BS in Marketing from St. Louis University. This education provided the foundation for a 25-year career in corporate America, including key leadership roles at Ford Marketing Corporation and Dunkin' Donuts, Inc., where he served as Director of Quality Control and Director of Consumer Affairs.

While still navigating the demands of corporate leadership, Michael also began to get involved in local politics in Massachusetts. He served three terms on the Board of Health in the Town of Canton. It was here that he demonstrated his knack for innovative stewardship; he spearheaded a unique program that saved the town $400,000 by rethinking their approach to local infrastructure and waste management.

Michael was elected to the Massachusetts Governor’s Council in 1990. By carrying every precinct in that election, he became the first Black person elected to that council since 1896. Throughout his time in office and his business career, his motto remained: "Government governs best when it governs closest to the people."

Planting Roots in Mableton

In 1999, Michael brought that wealth of experience to Cobb County. As a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and the past chairman of the Austell Community Taskforce, he has remained deeply active in sustainability and health awareness.

One thing Michael wanted to make sure neighbors knew is that for the 25 years he has lived here, Mableton has always been a safe place for his family. He views the safety of our streets not just as a matter of policing, but as a byproduct of the "Love Community"—a term he uses to describe a society where mutual respect is the standard.

The Vision for the Future

One thing Michael wanted to make sure neighbors knew is that for the 25 years he has lived here, Mableton has always been a safe place for his family. With that being said, his hope for Mableton’s next chapter is practical and bold:

• Attainable Housing: He advocates for tiny home subdivisions and Land Banks to provide dignity and stability for residents.

• Food Justice: He envisions Mableton addressing food deserts through microgreens—nutrient-dense crops that can be harvested in just seven days.

• Ending Apathy: He believes our potential is tied to our involvement. "If every citizen knew what every elected official knows," he says, "there would be no apathy."

Michael Murphy is a hallmark of what happens when Black leaders build upon a lifetime of success to give back to their community, ensuring it remains vital for everyone. He isn't just watching Mableton grow; he is rolling up his sleeves to make sure it grows with humanity.

Join the Conversation: Michael is a strong believer in the "New England style" town hall where every citizen has a voice. To stay informed on the local meetings Michael frequently attends, check our Mableton Local Event Guide.