On Thursday, March 9, community leaders and family members gathered for a Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony at Dr. Betty Tolbert Park (115 Dr. Betty Tolbert Way). March 9 is also Dr. Betty Tolbert’s birthday.
“I am just blown away by this occasion. I am so thankful for what Macon-Bibb and the Commission have done acknowledging the work my mother did in this community,” said Dr. Tolbert’s daughter, Rev. Gail Tolbert-Smith. “What she did was nothing short of extraordinary. Each one of us who knew her well, would say we still didn’t know she was all that. We never knew that she had so much in her.”
The park, formerly known as Wise Avenue Park, was renamed in honor of Dr. Tolbert, who served Macon-Bibb County as a life-long educator from 1962 to 2012. She was recognized for her business, community, and education acumen. The President of the United States and other officials, including fraternal, civic, academic, and governmental organizations, presented her with numerous awards and recognitions during the course of her impactful life.
“I idolized her and looked to her for advice,” said Commissioner Elaine Lucas. “As an elected member of the Macon City Council, it was my honor to take part in recognizing the Tolberts many times for the contributions to the community. I also want to thank the Recreation Department for their work on this park and for the Commission approving my resolution to rename this park in honor of Dr. Tolbert.”
The Park officially opened in September 2019 on what was known as Wise Avenue. The street was abandoned with only fallen and rundown houses on it, so the County bought the properties, demolished all the buildings, and built the multipurpose field and pavilion for the neighborhood to enjoy. The new park was built as part of Macon-Bibb’s Blight Remediation Program using $2 million in bond funds.
About Dr. Betty Tolbert
The late Dr. Betty Johnson Tolbert was a native of Macon, GA. She was the wife of Reverend Dr. Curtis Tolbert and mother of two daughters, Beverly Tolbert Fitzhugh and Gail Tolbert-Smith. Dr. Tolbert served as a lifelong educator, tireless ambassador for learning, and advocate for youth in Bibb County for more than 45 years. She believed her calling to society was to be a minister (servant) of education. A unique talent for education leadership was evident early in Dr. Tolbert’s career, which led to her appointment as principal at Duresville Elementary School. She was soon named principal of Alexander II Magnet Elementary School, the first magnet school in Georgia. Governor Joe Frank Harris presented her with the School of Excellence Award during her tenure at Alexander II.
As a result of her growing concern for African American students who were functioning below grade level, Dr. Tolbert left the public school system in 1985 to establish Progressive Christian Academy (PCA), the only school of its kind in Central Georgia. Like all Black female founders post-slavery, Dr. Tolbert made personal sacrifices to build a school that served her community. During its operation from 1985-2012, PCA was a major employer of African Americans in the community.
Dr. Tolbert was recognized for her business, community, and education acumen. The President of the United States and other officials, including fraternal, civic, academic, and governmental organizations, presented her with numerous awards and recognitions. With Dr. Tolbert’s Christian-centered curriculum, high academic standards, and high moral expectations, PCA impacted thousands of children in Central Georgia.