MACON, Ga. — On Monday in downtown Macon, dozens of people gathered on Poplar Street to honor the city's Black History with new bronze historical markers.
Macon organizations came together to unveil three bronze historical markers on Poplar, Pine and Mulberry Streets.
"The objective includes acknowledging our past and promoting a harmonious future," Alex Habersham with Macon Black Pages and co-chair of the Bicentennial Committee said.
The marker on Pine Street tells the story of the Historic African American Cotton Avenue District, also known as Macon's Black Wall Street. The marker on Poplar explains the Poplar Street Slave Trading Markets and the one on Mulberry Street honors enslaved people who were sold on the steps of the Old Bibb County Courthouse and Jail.
Habersham said these are the first markers by the committee dedicated specifically to telling Macon's Black History. One of the goals of the Bicentennial Committee was to be inclusive and truthful when recounting Macon's history.
"What we wanted to do is tie in and emphasize not only the importance of not only the general community but the African American community, the indigenous community and people of color," Habersham said.
The Macon-Bibb County bicentennial committee funded the project.
They partnered with Wesleyan College’s Lane Center for Social and Racial Equity, Washington Memorial Library and Visit Macon to create the signs. They were written by Muriel McDowell-Jackson, who serves as the Head of the Genealogical and Historical Room and Middle Georgia Archives at Washington Library.
"We need to show that we were part of the community, that we were part of making Macon what it is today — the good, the bad and the ugly," Jackson said.
She says she hopes people take the time to reflect on the history and how it makes them feel once they learn more.
"Well, I think they're going to learn a part of Macon's history that has never really been talked about or revealed. I'm hoping that when people look at the marker that they'll examine their feelings. Are they shocked or surprised or do they feel like it's about time that this story was told?" Jackson said.
Aluminum signs will be next to the markers with a QR code inviting visitors to take the Black History Trail walking tour in the Tour Macon app.
While Macon's Bicentennial is over, organizers said they hoped to work with other Black businesses to fundraise for more markers in the future.
Those at the unveiling were invited to go on a meditative tour between the markers and for a reception at the Tubman Museum. The bronze markers are slated to last over 100 years.