Dr. Walter Pyron, a 1963 Fairmont High grad, devoted 37 years to education—becoming the first Black principal at Fourth Ward Elementary and the first Black assistant superintendent in Griffin-Spalding County Schools. His legacy continues to inspire. #DrWalterPyron #LocalBlackHistory

Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman escaped in 1822, leading 70 to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Advocate for women's rights, she died in 1913.  Learn more: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/harriet-tubman  #BlackHistory #HarrietTubman #WomensHistoryMonth

Gwendolyn Brooks was the first Black poet to win the Pulitzer Prize and the first Black woman to serve as Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress. www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/gwendo... #GwendolynBrooks #BlackHistory #LessonoftheWeek #WomensHistoryMonth

Gwendolyn Brooks was the first Black poet to win the Pulitzer Prize and the first Black woman to serve as Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/gwendolyn-brooks #GwendolynBrooks #BlackHistory #LessonoftheWeek #WomensHistoryMonth

The Boston Massacre marked when tensions between British soldiers & colonists turned deadly. Patriots called it murder; loyalists said self-defense. Either way, it fueled the push for independence. John Adams said, “that night, the foundation of American independence was laid.” #TodayinHistory

Crispus Attucks, the first casualty of the Boston Massacre, symbolizes African-American patriotism. An escaped slave, he bravely fought for liberty.  Discover his legacy at https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/march-05/.  #BlackHistory #CrispusAttucks #todayinhistory

Born & raised in Griffin, Rodney McCord became the first elected District 6 City Commissioner in 1993. Served as mayor in 1998, 2006 & 2017, the youngest & longest-serving official in Griffin-Spalding until this past election. Mercer graduate & community leader honoring Black History Month.

Born in Griffin, GA, Janet Harmon Bragg defied racism and sexism to become the first Black woman in the U.S. to earn a commercial pilot’s license. An aviator, nurse, and trailblazer who helped open the skies for others. #JanetHarmonBragg #WomensHistoryMonth #localblackhistory

From Griffin, GA to MLB, Franklin “Frank” Coggins turned talent into legacy. A Fairmont High School 1962 graduate, he played 11 pro seasons (1963–73) with the Washington Senators and Chicago Cubs. #frankcoggins #localblackhistory

Women's History Month began in 1978 and was established nationally in 1987. Celebrate women's achievements this March!  Learn more: https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month https://womenshistorymonth.gov/  #WomensHistoryMonth

Ethel Waters (1896–1977) was a blues singer and actress who was the first African American to star in her own television show and to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Source: nmaahc.si.edu/ethel-waters #EthelWaters #BlackHistory #LessonoftheWeek #BlackHistoryMonth

From Griffin, GA to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Rayfield “Big Cat” Wright turned setbacks into greatness. A Fairmont High grad, Cowboys legend, Super Bowl champ, and youth advocate, his legacy is built on perseverance, excellence, and belief. #rayfieldwright #blackhistorymonth #localblackhistory

From Griffin, GA and niece of Olympic champ Wyomia Tyus, Tina Tyus-Shaw ran track at TSU before pivoting to journalism. Started in 1986 as a TV receptionist, WSAV anchor since 1992. Mandela coverage, Olympic torchbearer, breast cancer advocate, Hall of Famer & 2025 GA Broadcaster of the Year.

Born in Griffin, GA, Wyomia Tyus broke barriers on and off the track. A Fairmont grad & Tigerbelle, she won Olympic gold, protested racial injustice, co-founded the Women’s Sports Foundation, and inspired generations. #wyomiatyus #blackhistorymonth #localblackhistory

Born in Griffin, GA, Dr. Charles Releford Sr. served in the Navy, became the first Black medical technologist at Hughes Spalding, and the first Black physician at Griffin-Spalding Hospital—a healer and trailblazer for his community. #drcharlesrelefordsr #blackhistorymonth #localblackhistory

Born Feb 23, 1868, W.E.B. Du Bois helped found the NAACP, serving as Director of Publicity & Research and editor of The Crisis (1910–1934). He shaped the fight for Black civil rights and built a lasting intellectual foundation for equality. #WEBduBois #BlackHistoryMonth

Museum Advocacy Day is a two-day event uniting museum supporters nationwide to advocate for increased funding and support. Together, we call on Congress to invest in museums so our cultural institutions can thrive. #MuseumAdvocacyDays #BlackHistoryMonth

Griffin native Samuel Batts was the first Black man from the city to join the U.S. Marine Corps and serve in Vietnam. He later became one of Griffin’s early Black police officers, dedicating his life to service at home and abroad. #samuelbatts #blackhistorymonth #localblackhistory

Rev. David Franklin Fuller (1877–1969) was a visionary leader who shaped Griffin, Georgia. Born in Meriwether County, Georgia, he founded New Hope Baptist Church in 1927 and helped build the thriving Black community known as Fullertown. Today, D.F. Fuller Drive honors his lasting legacy. #DFFuller

Born in Griffin, GA, Benjamin “Ben” Jackson Jr. served in the Army, fought for civil rights with B.U.G.G., rose through the U.S. Postal Service, and became Griffin’s City Commissioner & Mayor. A mentor, trailblazer, and pillar of community. #benjackson #blackhistorymonth #localblackhistory

After facing racism as a lawyer, Robert Sengstacke Abbott founded the Chicago Defender in 1905, helping encourage the Great Migration. www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/art... #RobertSengstackeAbbott

Join us for Roots & Reflections on Feb 28th but also check out Heather's presentations: Civil Rights in Griffin on Feb 19th and Griffin Waymakers online on Feb 26th. Check out the flyers for more information. #BlackHistoryMonth #LocalHistory

From Griffin, GA to federal policy, Carl T. Horton fought segregation, led NAACP protests, became the first Black attorney at Kilpatrick Townsend, and shaped programs empowering minority businesses. #carlthorton #blackhistorymonth #localblackhistory

Born & raised in Griffin, GA, Otis B. Head Sr. devoted his life to public service, education & community. A Tuskegee graduate, church leader, educator, veteran, and civic champion, his legacy continues to inspire. #otisheadsr #blackhistorymonth #localblackhistory

Mardi Gras originated in medieval Europe, evolving through Rome and Venice, before reaching North America in 1699 via French colonists. #MardiGras #Carnival

Born July 29, 1924, in Griffin, GA, Phillip Head was a Navy vet, Tuskegee alum, and lifelong community pillar. He ran the Triple H Sandwich Shop in Griffin’s Black Business District, mentoring and supporting generations. #philliphead #blackhistorymonth #localblackhistory

Born in Griffin, GA, in 1921, Raymond Head Jr. was a WWII veteran, businessman, civil rights advocate, and the first Black mayor of Griffin. His 27 years in public service shaped the city’s path toward equity. #RaymondHeadJr #BlackHistoryMonth #LocalBlackHistory

Presidents’ Day—officially Washington’s Birthday—is celebrated on the third Monday in February. It honors George Washington and all U.S. presidents, especially Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is also in February. #PresidentsDay

Trailblazer in law enforcement, ministry & community service, Chester Reuben Milner was one of Griffin, GA’s first Black police officers & probation officer. Pastor, chaplain, coach & mentor, he devoted his life to breaking barriers & lifting others. #chestermilner #blackhistorymonth #localhistory

Henry George Reid, Fairmont High grad & civil rights activist, led Griffin’s Sanitation Dept with dignity & respect, uplifting workers and community. The H.G. Reid Building honors his legacy of service, justice, and exceptional leadership. #henrygeorgereid #blackhistorymonth #localblackhistory

Today we honor Frederick Douglass—abolitionist, orator, and writer who led the fight for African American civil rights. Born in 1818, he chose Feb 14 as his birthday, calling it “my valentine.” #FrederickDouglass #BlackHistoryMonth

Valentine’s Day blends Roman Lupercalia with Christian tradition. It honors St. Valentine, martyred around A.D. 270, while today’s romantic customs emerged in the Middle Ages and grew popular in the 1800s. #LoveHistory #ValentinesDay

Heck Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, founded 1864 in honor of Barbara Heck, played a key role in Griffin’s Black community, from civil rights activism to music and youth programs. The historic building at Broadway & Sixth now awaits restoration.

Feb 13th is Black Love Day, founded in 1993 by Ayo Handy Kendi. It celebrates Black love, unity, atonement, and healing—promoting self-love and peace as an alternative to commercial Valentine’s Day.  #BlackLoveDay #CelebrateBlackLove #BlackHistoryMonth

In 1921, Bessie Coleman became the first American woman to obtain an international pilot’s license. Source: www.womenshistory.org/education-re... #BessieColeman #BlackHistory #LessonoftheWeek #BlackHistoryMonth

Dr. Marion Gerald Hood, Fairmont HS alumnus, was denied by Emory University’s School of Medicine in 1959 due to race. He earned his MD from Loyola, built a 45-year career in Atlanta, and was formally apologized to by Emory in 2021. #DrMarionGeraldHood #BlackHistoryMonth #LocalBlackHistory

Griffin-born brothers Wayne B. Kendall and Martin Michael ‘Mike’ Kendall—Howard University grads who returned home after J.D.s from Georgetown and UCLA—built Georgia legal careers serving civil rights, family, personal injury, and general practice.

In 1950, Fairmont High opened as an “equalization school” for Black students in Griffin—larger than its predecessor but underfunded. Brown v. Board (1954) began the slow path to integration. #EqualizationSchool #BlackHistoryMonth #LocalBlackHistory

During the Civil Rights Movement, Griffin, GA was shaped by leaders like Rev. James N. Shopshire. Founder of the local NAACP, minister of Heck Chapel, and an elementary school principal, he led with courage—despite real risks—to advance justice, education, and equality. #revjamesnshopshire

Gary Reid, soldier, tailor, and civil rights leader, led Griffin’s NAACP, became Spalding County’s first Black Commissioner, and left a lasting legacy. #GaryReid #BlackHistoryMonth #LocalBlackHistory

Super Museum Sunday is a statewide event in Georgia that offers free admission to state historic sites. It's part of the Georgia History Festival and is a chance to learn about Georgia's history. Source: https://gastateparks.org/supermuseumsunday #SuperMuseumSunday #BlackHistoryMonth

Born in 1938 in Spalding County, Rev. Freddie Phillips grew up in the segregated South and became a civil rights activist, pastor, and community leader in Griffin. His faith fueled his fight for justice, dignity, and equality. #ReverendFreddiePhillips #BlackHistoryMonth #LocalBlackHistory

Born in Griffin, GA Haskell Sears Ward dedicated his life to justice and public service—from Peace Corps work in Africa to shaping U.S. foreign policy, serving as NYC Deputy Mayor, and returning home as a judge. A truly global legacy. #HaskellWard #BlackHistoryMonth #LocalBlackHistory

Jesse Owens was a track and field athlete who set a world record in the log jump at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin and went unrivaled for 25 years. Source: www.britannica.com/biography/Je... #JesseOwens #BlackHistory #LessonoftheWeek #BlackHistoryMonth

Born in 1934 in Griffin, GA to sharecroppers, Dr. Dorothy Beck Nash rose through faith, education, and resilience to become a trailblazer, therapist, author, and community leader. Her legacy is courage, conviction, and service. #DrDorothyNash #BlackHistoryMonth #LocalBlackHistory

Born Nov. 21, 1928, in Griffin, GA, Samuel DuBois Cook was a pioneer for social justice. A Morehouse grad and friend of MLK Jr., he became Duke University’s first tenured Black professor in 1966. #DrSamuelDuBoisCook #BlackHistoryMonth #LocalBlackHistory

Feb 4 is Transit Equity Day, honoring Rosa Parks on her birthday. It’s a day of action for accessible, affordable, safe public transit—linking transit equity to civil rights, climate justice, and opportunity for all. #TransitEquityDay #RosaParks #BlackHistoryMonth

Along with our Roots & Reflections listening event on Sat. Feb. 28, our museum manager is presenting all month for #BlackHistoryMonth: • Civil Rights Movement in Griffin, GA – Feb. 19 (in person, Flint River Regional Library) • Griffin Waymakers – Feb. 26 (online w/ SCTC) See flyers for details!

Mary Stinson—educator, entrepreneur, and trailblazer. From opening a community beauty salon to becoming the first Black woman elected to the Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education, she led with courage, service, and vision. #MaryStinson #BlackHistoryMonth #LocalBlackHistory

Born in 1922, Dr. Horace Tate challenged inequity in education—principal, first Black Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, leader who united Black and white teachers, Atlanta’s first Black mayoral candidate, and Georgia State Senator. #BlackHistoryMonth #HoraceTate