Mary Wilson -- The Supremes Were Civil Rights Activists (VIDEO)

Mary Wilson, one of the original members of The Supremes, says her legendary girl group helped bridge the gap between blacks and whites.

Mary showed up at The Whisky Friday night to see the amazing Darlene Love, and our photog asked about how she, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, broke the color barrier in traditionally white nightclubs.

Billboard named The Supremes the biggest girl group in the history of music. Wait till you hear how Mary compares her group to The Beatles. That's confidence.

BTW ... Mary's still performing. She's performing Monday night at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri.