Macon200, the bicentennial campaign celebrating the 200th year since the incorporation of the city of Macon in 1823, unveiled two bronze markers dedicated to facets of Macon’s Black history on Monday, April 22. These markers will serve as permanent reminders of Black history across downtown Macon’s vibrant streetscape.
This project was funded by Macon-Bibb County’s bicentennial committee as part of its critical mission to educate the community about Macon’s history. Macon200 partnered with Wesleyan College through its Crafting Democratic Futures initiative out of the Lane Center for Social and Racial Equity, which had held community forums to hear from Maconites before selecting a subcommittee to discuss the details of the markers. The signs were written by Muriel McDowell-Jackson, Head of the Genealogical and Historical Room and Middle Georgia Archives at Washington Library.
Macon200 co-chair and founder of the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages Alex Habersham said that, “The bicentennial committee aimed to activate and remember all of Macon’s history, including the great history of Macon’s BIPOC people.”
Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller noted that, “We continue to celebrate our rich history to make sure that everyone of every community is proud of Macon-Bibb County and can celebrate, and will never forget it.”
Wesleyan College historian Brandi Simpson Miller explained, “Today, we come together to recognize the pivotal events and enduring legacies that have shaped our collective journey as Macon residents and as Americans. As we unveil these markers, let us embrace the lessons they impart, guiding us towards a future steeped in understanding and unity.”
Through the bicentennial, there are three bronze markers, a material estimated to last 500+ years. Two were unveiled Monday, with one commemorating the lives of people who were enslaved on Poplar Street and the other commemorating the Cotton Avenue African-American Business District. A third marker will be installed at a later date on Mulberry Street. There are an additional number of aluminum signs with QR codes partnered with Visit Macon, inviting visitors to download the Tour Macon app and complete a Black History Trail walking tour.
Macon civic groups can fundraise to place future markers on the Black Heritage Trail of their own. To discuss how your group can place a marker on the trail and continue the movement, contact Julia Morrison at morrisonjulia528@gmail.com.
The Macon200 celebration featured a number of events including a community open call art show, an Indigenous film festival, the inaugural Mayor’s Ball events, monthly history presentations, 3-D projections on the side of Macon City Auditorium, a bicentennial anthem, a commissioned performance with the Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra, a large-scale citizen photo opportunity in front of City Hall, and more. The bicentennial signature legacy project was fundraising for Bicentennial Park in East Macon, which will break ground next month.
About Macon200
Throughout 2023 we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Macon, the city where soul lives. As we stand on the precipice of Macon’s third century we reflect on our past, remain rooted in the present and imagine a future blossoming with potential for all. The Macon-Bibb County Bicentennial Celebration is a year-long opportunity to come together as a community to both honor and acknowledge our history, while celebrating the bounty of talent and potential here, now. The major initiative for the bicentennial will be Bicentennial Park, a park in East Macon that will serve as valuable public space and commemorate the vibrancy of our city. For more information, visit Macon200.com.