Mae Bell and family with Congresswoman Corrine Brown (D-FL) - (Right)

Mae Bell-Campbell also known as ‘Mother May I,’ has served as Executive Director of the 2221 Negro Infantry Volunteer Association since 2004. Since that time she has led an ongoing fight for national and local recognition of these forgotten American patriots. Her efforts to champion their cause stem from her beloved Uncle Allie Cottrell, childhood conversations and the discovery of a recent publication about the valor of the 2221 Negro Infantry Volunteers in war torn Europe in World War II.

Her tenacious determination subsequently led to contacting author David Colley and tracking down several members of the group including the president of the Association. In 2003, she persuaded several members of the 2221 Negro Infantry Volunteers to convene in Clanton, Alabama to attend a special recognition ceremony honoring her uncle. Working with Alabama's Governor and the Adjutant General, she was able to persuade Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) to come and present her uncle with several awards and lost medals. Her uncle was bed-ridden at the time and would only live another five months before his death. Yet, the convening of the special recognition ceremony in Clanton served as a catalyst to resurrect the annual reunions of the organization, which had not taken place in the past four years due to the failing health of the standing president.

Since Mae's injection of new life into the Association, the organization has gone on to receive national media recognition, and has been hosted by several Governors. Currently, plans are underway to develop scholarships in the Association’s name to further the legacy of the 2221 Negro Infantry Volunteers. Their next reunion is scheduled for November 9 thru 13, 2006, in Nashville, Tennessee.