Katie was a force of nature whose protests took her to the bottom of a construction ditch to the steps of the State Capitol, died Monday after a 2 1/2-year battle with lung cancer. She was 79.

Kathleen Ann Curry was born Feb. 8, 1931, in Minneapolis, the daughter of an auto mechanic from a farm near Hastings. As the only African-American girl at school, she was subjected to a daily chorus of racial slurs. Her determination sprouted into defiance in junior high school essays about racial inequality, and she said she wanted to persuade people to change with her words.

Though Katie spent her life trying to expose injustice. She never sought the spotlight.

In 1964, frustrated by the amount of housing discrimination faced by African-Americans, McWatt became the first black candidate to run for the St. Paul City Council. Although she narrowly lost the election, many say she paved the way for other black candidates to enter the political arena.

One of Katie’s most notable battles took place below the streets of St. Paul. Long time friend Vicki Davis “I remember her putting on a hardhat and going into a ditch, to prevent them from digging until they made some concessions on the people they were going to employ in the construction," "She was the kind of person who was always lifting her fists and saying, 'That's not the way it should happen.'"

Katie Mc Watt was an advocate for the rights of not only African-Americans, but women, too. Katie belonged to the League of Women Voters was inducted into the DFL Women's Hall of Fame and was awarded a NAACP Lifetime Achievement award.

"Whether she was speaking out against racial injustice or on behalf of quality education or in support of the power of hope, Katie's voice never wavered.

During her life, Katie’s husband, Arthur Chandler Mc Watt, was a devoted and loving partner. “He misses his best pal”. Arthur was a teacher for over 30 years in the Saint Paul School system. He’s also the author the recently published "Crusaders for Justice."

When she anticipated her life coming to a close she had but one wish. Please keep my spirit and celebration in the community. My community.

She is survived by her husband Arthur McWatt, children Timothy (Shelly) McWatt, Stacy (Cecil Callahan) Callahan, Christopher (Kimberly) McWatt, Lynn McWatt, grandchildren Danae, Austin, Cole, Reid, Croix, Cade, nephew Steven Jackson, niece Dana Jackson, great nephew Brian Jackson. Cousins James Curry, Michael Collins, and Cassandra Thompson and other numerous loving relatives.