Macon200

09/16/2024

Go on a walk and talk tomorrow with some of our commission members!

04/24/2024

Brandi Simpson Miller, an assistant professor of history at Wesleyan College, one of the sponsors of the trail marker project, told of “the power of remembrance.” She said the markers “not only commemorate the remarkable lives of the enslaved, but also pay homage to an enduring resilience and indomitable spirit of African American heritage.”

Historical markers, including for where slaves were sold, are being installed along Macon's Black Heritage Trail as part of the Georgia city's bicentennial celebration.

04/22/2024

04/22/2024

Thank you to all who attended the marker reveal and reception today. You can see the marker to the Poplar Street Slave Trading Markets on Poplar and 2nd and the marker to the Cotton Avenue Black Business District on Pine Street and Forsyth Street. We look forward to more celebration and reflection on history as visitors begin to see and engage with the Black Heritage Trail.

Thank you to our partners Wesleyan College - First For Women - Macon+Bibb County - The Griffith Foundation - Visit Macon - Middle Georgia Regional Library - EZ Signs, LLC and to all the many people who contributed to making this permanent legacy a reality.

04/21/2024

Join us tomorrow!

Tomorrow, Macon200 , the bicentennial campaign celebrating the 200th year since the incorporation of the city of Macon in 1823, will unveil bronze markers dedicated to facets of Macon’s Black history. These markers will serve as permanent reminders of Black history across downtown Macon’s vibrant streetscape.

https://www.maconbibb.us/dtblackhistorymarkers/

02/29/2024

It's both and the last day of , so we wanted to share a memory from last year's bicentennial celebration. The Griffith Foundation hosted the second annual Social Justice: Silence No More Poetry Slam featuring Bibb County School District students, and it was a hit! Listen to these vital messages being shared by our own local students, who are confidently sharing their voices and experiences on stage.

02/22/2024

02/09/2024

Last year on February 4, we were privileged to host Julia Ellen Craft Davis in Macon. A descendant of Ellen and William Craft, who heroically escaped slavery in our city in 1848, Julia shared their extraordinary story, embodying a legacy of courage and resilience. Her visit offered a profound connection to our local and national history, highlighting the enduring impact of the Crafts' journey to freedom. We extend our deepest gratitude to Julia for illuminating this crucial chapter of our past. Her words continue to inspire and educate us.

To learn more about her story and the history of the Craft family, check out this story from the Telegraph: https://www.macon.com/news/local/article30172788.html

02/07/2024

This time last year, we launched the 'Macon Shines: A Light on Our Journey' series with the breathtaking 'Origins' short film. Using cutting-edge 3-D mapping, we showcased Macon's journey on the walls of the City Auditorium, a first for our city!

Thanks to The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, this mesmerizing experience was brought to life. Did you miss this spectacular display?

Watch the 'Origins' film: youtube.com/watch?v=-OChKORNXBI

02/05/2024

Last year, Macon200 collaborated with the to create the Bicentennial Reading List, intertwining Macon-Bibb's rich 200-year history with the power of literature. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Middle Georgia Regional Library for this meaningful partnership.

The reading list offers a window into our past, inviting exploration and reflection. Missed it? We’ve got the full reading list in the image below. 👇