Timeless Hats by Susie Mae Pugh-Williams: A Legacy of Creativity, Elegance, Reverence & Resilience
August 15 All day
January 29 – August 15, 2026
Curated by Dr. Irma McClaurin, PhD and Bobby C. Williams, Jr.
Hats or ‘crowns’ as they are known in African American communities are an essential part of African American culture. They have played a key role in African American life from enslavement to modern day as symbols of reverence in houses of worship or resilience and resistance in times of enslavement and freedom.
Susie Mae-Pugh Williams (1949 – 2020) was born and raised in Mobile, AL. She taught herself the art of millinery (hat making) and created hats, wraps, fascinators and other head wear for herself, friends and clients. Those creations would have been worn to church or for events such as weddings, Mardi Gras festivities and other celebrations.
This exhibition contains over two dozen hats that were made by Mrs. Williams or that she admired and drew inspiration from for her own creations.
Add your event for free to our calendar. Entries may be edited for brevity.
Email us at hello@mobilebaynow.com for more promotional options, including Instagram, Newsletters, video shorts + more.