2023 24 Black Pages FINAL 2 - Flipbook - Page 98
e e i n
i il i
a ne
in –
1940
As the Civil Rights era approached, African American business owners played a crucial role in
supporting activists and leaders. They provided meeting spaces and often took part in the
movement themselves.
The Jody Town
Community Established
in 1943 amid the
segregation era, Jody
Town emerged as a
bustling enclave for Black
civilian employees of the
Robins Air Force Base.
This community was more
Photo: Jody Town
than a mere neighborhood;
Reunion Facebook Page
it was an ecosystem of
economic success. With a diverse array of businesses,
including local shops, entertainment venues, and even
the first Black funeral home, Jody Town symbolized
unity and progress.
Forsyth Convention and
Visitors Bureau
n e i
–
e le amilie
e
1950
e ie
Ma n –
1960
e
Louise Bell Roberts and George Roberts were wellrespected business proprietors in Perry's New Hope
community. Fondly referred to as "Miss Bell" by
acquaintances and "Big Mama" by family, Louise,
alongside her husband George, a skilled carpenter,
owned various properties including residential
houses, a barber shop, a beauty salon, and a grocery
store that also functioned as a lunch shop. During the
era of school segregation, they provided numerous
lunches to students at the Perry Training School.
98
H
Inez “Mama Hill”
n H H e a an
Mama
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