2023 24 Black Pages FINAL 2 - Flipbook - Page 126
Jackson believes Macon’s Bicentennial celebration has led to more open and honest
discussions around Macon-Bibb County history, including the good, bad, and sad. She pointed
out that several people involved in the projects may not have deep roots in Macon-Bibb County
history, which allows for the challenging and questioning of “local history”.
In the 1923 Centennial History of Macon for example, only five out of one hundred and eighty
pages contained information on Blacks which for the time was unique. But people now are more
demanding and are working to get more representation in the pages of Macon-Bibb history says
Jackson. She says the markers will spark conversation requiring more research into local
history. “Without markers, history can easily be twisted or lost because history is often written by
those in charge who shape it to meet the narrative they want remembered,” added Jackson.
Muhammad believes in maximizing the value of our city/county’s Bicentennial as a historical
milestone in residents’ lives. He says very little of Black peoples’ history and contributions is
publicly recognized in Macon. For that reason, the markers are very significant. “They embody
and direct us toward crucial educational facts. This is essential for the nourishment of the minds
and of the people here, most vitally our children and young adults,” Muhammad suggests.
Healing and empowerment for all citizens are in the markers too says Muhammad. He
desires for the monuments’ establishment to be widely known, celebrated, and appreciated.
“Remembrance of key people, communities, institutions, very significant conditions, and events
are mandatory. Then we (Blacks) can better grasp who we are and what is our true role to fulfill
in time, having a wholistic knowledge of our purpose, past, present, and future,” he said.
Once the markers are in place all will be within walking distance of each other which could
lead to a tour that foregrounds the local historic Black experience and reaffirms how it is central
to Macon’s identity shared Doherty, who see them as an ongoing process to preserve more of
Macon’s extensive and storied Black histories. “In order for Macon to continue the process of
racial reconciliation, the city must demonstrate an honest and historically accurate recognition of
the racial atrocities that happened here,” observed Doherty. Unquestionably, this is a step in
that direction.
L to R: Charvis Harrell, Muriel McDowell Jackson, George Fadil Muhammad,
Clarence Thomas, Dr Brandy Simpson Miller, Virginia Blake, Kristina Peavy, Tanya
Parker, Dr. Holly Cole, Dr. Melanie Doherty, Professor Alexis Gregg, Dr Thomas
Duval
126
