Our Legacy: The Griffin-Spalding African-American History Museum

Our Legacy: The Griffin-Spalding African-American History Museum Bringing to life the powerful stories,culture, and legacy of Griffin-Spalding’s African American community.

Connecting local history to the larger story of America! We deeply respect the important work of The Legacy Museum and the other Legacy Sites in Montgomery, Alabama; however, we are a separate and unaffiliated organization.

Dr. Isreal Lee Eady, Jr. was born in Newton, Georgia, and raised in Camilla as one of nine children. His love for music ...
06/16/2026

Dr. Isreal Lee Eady, Jr. was born in Newton, Georgia, and raised in Camilla as one of nine children. His love for music began early, and his talent was recognized when he was named “Best Male Singer” by the senior class of 1967 at Camilla Consolidated High School. A gifted musician and vocalist, Dr. Eady plays multiple instruments and has continued sharing his passion for music throughout his life.
He earned degrees from Albany State University, Georgia State University, Troy State University, and Clark Atlanta University, building a distinguished career in education. He served as a band director,. music teacher, principal, and educational leader in Mitchell County, Lamar County, and Griffin-Spalding County schools before retiring as principal of Anne Street Elementary School in Griffin in
2001. He later became a professor of Educational Leadership and retired from Jacksonville State University in 2011.
Beyond education, Dr. Eady has dedicated himself to community service through organizations such as the NAACP, the American Red Cross, and local scouting programs. His musical journey include: performing in Italy with the Albany State University Faculty Quartet, playing bass with the Albany Symphony Orchestra, and releasing several albums beginning with Is-real Sings in 2009.
Dr. Eady has been married to Dr. Charlotte King Eady for more than 54 years. Together, they have three children and five grandchildren and remain active members of Mount Zion Baptist Church. His legacy continues through education, music, faith, and service to others.

🧱 Leave Your Legacy at Our Legacy Museum! 🧱Be a lasting part of history by purchasing an honorary paver brick at the Our...
06/15/2026

🧱 Leave Your Legacy at Our Legacy Museum! 🧱

Be a lasting part of history by purchasing an honorary paver brick at the Our Legacy Museum! Whether you’re honoring a loved one, celebrating your family, or showing your support, your personalized brick will become part of our beautiful landscape for years to come.
✨ Brick Options:
▪️ 4x8 Rectangle – $75 (3 lines of text)
▪️ 8x8 Square – $90 (6 lines of text)
All proceeds help support the museum’s exhibits and ongoing work to preserve and share our community’s rich history.
📍 Order today by scanning the QR codes or visiting:
• Spalding County Leisure Services
• Our Legacy Museum

🔎 Already purchased a brick in our first round of sales? We’ve got great news! A brick location map is now available to help you easily find your brick. Stop by or contact us if you need assistance—we’d love to help you locate your special piece of the legacy!

Loving Day celebrates the landmark Supreme Court decision that changed American history and affirmed the right to love w...
06/12/2026

Loving Day celebrates the landmark Supreme Court decision that changed American history and affirmed the right to love without legal barriers.
On June 12, 1967, Mildred and Richard Loving, an in*******al couple from Virginia, won their case before the U.S. Supreme Court in the historic case of Loving v. Virginia. Their victory struck down state laws that banned in*******al marriage, making such laws unconstitutional across the United States.
The Lovings never set out to become civil rights icons. They simply wanted to live together as husband and wife without fear of punishment. Their courage and determination helped secure a fundamental right for future generations and became a powerful symbol of equality, justice, and love.
Today, Loving Day honors Mildred and Richard Loving’s legacy and reminds us that love has the power to challenge injustice and create lasting change.

In honor of loving day tag someone who made a difference in your life!💕

❤️

The story of the Soulful Sunlighters is one of faith, family, and enduring music that has echoed through Griffin for gen...
06/09/2026

The story of the Soulful Sunlighters is one of faith, family, and enduring music that has echoed through Griffin for generations. Founded in the 1930s by a group of young men who shared a passion for gospel music, the group evolved over time into the Soulful Sunlighters-becoming one of the community’s most respected and beloved gospel groups.
At the heart of their legacy is the leadership and vision of Clinton Watson, Sr., whose dedication helped guide the group through both triumphs and challenges. From singing in small churches and traveling with limited resources to uplifting congregations across the region, their journey reflects perseverance, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to sharing the message of faith through song.
This legacy continued through the Watson family, with sons and fellow members carrying the music forward, ensuring that the Soulful Sunlighters’ sound and spirit would not fade.
Their performances supported churches strengthened community ties, and inspired generations of listeners.
Today, the Soulful Sunlighters’ Legacy stands as a powerful reminder of Griffin’s rich musical and cultural heritagealtestament to what can grow when talent, faith, and determination come together.

06/05/2026

A great day day spent connecting with the community!

From friendly conversations to meeting new faces. We always enjoy being where the community gathers. We loved being apart of a welcoming atmosphere and enjoying the chance to connect with so many amazing people. Can’t wait to do it again.

Every June, we pause to honor one of the greatest gifts Black America ever gave the world, its music. Born out of pain, ...
06/02/2026

Every June, we pause to honor one of the greatest gifts Black America ever gave the world, its music. Born out of pain, resilience, and unshakeable joy, African American music didn't just entertain it changed laws, shifted culture, and gave a people their voice when the world tried to silence them.
Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Soul, R&B, Hip Hop -every genre that moves you today has Black hands and Black hearts at its foundation.
African American Music Appreciation Month exists so we never forget where the music truly comes from. This June, we're not just celebrating sound we're honoring a legacy that literally changed the world.

You can comment below some of your favorite Black artist and song you love!

As we celebrate Black Music Apperciation Month, today's Tribute Tuesday honors a place rather than a person — The Vaughn...
06/02/2026

As we celebrate Black Music Apperciation Month, today's Tribute Tuesday honors a place rather than a person — The Vaughn-Blake VFW Post 8480.
The Chitlin' Circuit was a network of safe venues where Black musicians and entertainers could perform during segregation. when many spaces were closed to them. These theaters, clubs, and halls helped launch legends like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and B.B. King, while preserving and strengthening musical traditions like blues, jazz, soul, and rock and roll. More than entertainment it created spaces for community, resilience. and cultural expression.
In Griffin, the Vaughn-Blake VFW Post 8480 was part of this historic network. It stood as a vibrant hub where notable artists performed and where the Black community gathered to connect, celebrate, and support one another- leaving a lasting impact on our local history and culture.

On May 30, 1921, a 19-year-old Black teenager named Dick Rowland entered an elevator in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Within hours, a...
05/31/2026

On May 30, 1921, a 19-year-old Black teenager named Dick Rowland entered an elevator in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Within hours, a false accusation would set off one of the deadliest acts of racial violence in U.S. history.

After a White elevator operator, Sarah Page, cried out for reasons still unclear, Rowland fled in fear. The next day, the Tulsa Tribune published an inflammatory front-page story alleging assault. Rowland was arrested, but that wasn’t enough for a growing White mob that gathered at the courthouse, intent on lynching him.

Black residents, many of them veterans, armed themselves and stood guard to protect Rowland. When they were confronted by the mob, a shot rang out—and chaos erupted.

From May 31 to June 1, 1921, White mobs—many deputized and armed by local authorities—descended on Greenwood, a thriving Black community known as “Black Wall Street.” They looted and burned 36 city blocks, destroyed homes and businesses, and terrorized residents. Some accounts even describe private planes dropping incendiaries from above.

As violence spread, more than 10,000 Black residents were displaced. At least 36 people were officially reported killed, but eyewitnesses and historians estimate the death toll may have exceeded 300.

When the Oklahoma National Guard arrived, they failed to stop the rampage and instead detained hundreds of Black survivors in internment camps. Hospitals and officials kept incomplete—or nonexistent—records of the injured and dead.

No one was ever held accountable for the destruction of Greenwood. For decades, this history was buried. But the truth endured.

In 2020, a memorial marker was unveiled at Vernon AME Church—one of the few structures to survive—to honor the victims and acknowledge the devastation.

For more information, check out the following links:
https://eji.org/news/tulsa-installs-marker-commemorating-1921-racial-terror-massacre/ #:~:text=On%20September%2019%2C%20the%20Tulsa,high%20school%20students%20in%20Tulsa.

https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=TU013



InSpalding In Griffin City of Griffin, GA - Government Spalding County Leisure Services Downtown Griffin

Benjamin O. Davis Sr. and Jr. - a father-and-son force who shattered military barriers. Davis Sr. became the first Black...
05/29/2026

Benjamin O. Davis Sr. and Jr. - a father-and-son force who shattered military barriers. Davis Sr. became the first Black general in the U.S. Army after 50 years of service, fighting segregation and paving the way for others. His son, Davis Jr., graduated West Point despite discrimination and went on to lead the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII and become the first Black general in the U.S. Air Force, helping integrate the military and inspire generations of service members.

Check out the following links for more information:
https://wrightmuseum.org/breaking-barriers-benjamin-o-davis-sr-and-jr/

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/508858/father-son-become-african-american-military-pioneers



InSpalding In Griffin City of Griffin, GA - Government Spalding County Leisure Services Downtown Griffin

John "Roger" Miller, Sr.December 25, 1929 – November 21, 2022Born in McDonough, Georgia, Mr. Miller lived a life defined...
05/26/2026

John "Roger" Miller, Sr.
December 25, 1929 – November 21, 2022

Born in McDonough, Georgia, Mr. Miller lived a life defined by dedication to his community and care for others.

Mr. Miller was the former owner of Miller Funeral Home, where he served countless families with compassion and professionalism. Prior to that, he worked at Crocket’s Funeral Home, building the foundation for a lifelong career in service.

His commitment extended far beyond his profession. In 2010, he was honored for nearly 30 years of service on the Spalding County Board of Health. Over the years, he contributed to numerous boards throughout the county, always striving to make his community a better place.

In a 2015 “People You Know” feature in The Griffin Daily News, Mr. Miller shared that the best part of Griffin was its people. He enjoyed simple pleasures—spending time playing with electronics and catching up with Dolly at Ma and Pa Grocery.

His personal philosophy was humble yet powerful: he hoped to be remembered as a nice person, and he believed the best way to improve the world was by being understanding of others.

In the second photo of this post featuring B.U.G.G. (Black Unity Group of Griffin) members, Mr. Miller can be seen seated in the middle of the back row, wearing a tan suit—a quiet but steady presence among his peers.

His legacy of kindness, service, and community spirit will not be forgotten.

Second Picture:
Front row (L-R): Mr. Henry George Reid, Mr. Richard Dukes, Mr. Ben J. Jackson, Jr., Mr. Moses Jackson, Mr. Raymond Head, Jr.

Back Row (L-R): Deacon T.J. Lemons, Reverend Freddie Phillips, Mr. Roger Miller, Reverend Chester Milner and Mr. Gary Reid.



InSpalding In Griffin City of Griffin, GA - Government Downtown Griffin Spalding County Leisure Services

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Griffin, GA
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