I'd first like to mention that there is so much black history in Athens, Ga and this is only meant to be an introduction for you and your family. Please use this as a start to your own research and learning.
Athens, Georgia was founded in December 1806, and by 1860 over half of the population were enslaved. After the confederate soldiers were defeated, Black institutions prospered throughout Athens.
- The First A.M.E church was formed in 1866, and is currently located at 521 N. Hull St.
- Hill First Baptist Church was organized in 1867 and is located at 205 N. Pope St.
- The Knox Institute opened in 1868
- The Methodist school opened in 1879
- Jeruel Academy opened in 1881
- Ebenezer Baptist church formed in 1889
- Chestnut Grove School, a one room schoolhouse built in 1896, can still be visited at 610 Epps Bridge Parkway
- Georgia’s first four year African American High School, Athens High and Industrial School was built in 1913 and is located at 496 Reese St.
Despite the prevalent racism, African Americans found cultural and economic prosperity in Athens in the early 1900's! The economic progression of Black Athenians was highlighted by the corner of Washington and Hull streets, which became known as The Hot Corner for the Black community. At The Hot Corner, Black success was prevalent. There were Black lawyers, dentists, doctors, and other professionals.
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In addition to The Hot Corner, there were many other spots that showcased Black progress. The Morton Theatre was built in 1910 by Monroe Morton to host African American entertainers. The theatre hosted its first concert in 1910, and prominent African American performers like Louis Armstrong have performed at the theatre! Monroe Morton was a prominent African American contractor and businessman in Athens. He owned thirty other buildings in Athens and was the publisher of the Progressive Era, an African American newspaper. The Morton building also housed the offices of many successful African Americans, including the office of Dr. Ida Mae Hiram, the first African American woman to pass the Georgia Dental Board exams. Located in the Morton Theatre Building was also the first Black owned drug store in Athens, E.D. Harris Drug Company, owned by prominent Black physician Dr. W. H. Harris.
The Morton Theatre is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and was restored by a citizen-approved sales tax in 1987 as a community performing arts space. The Hot Corner had the legacy mural (pictured on the article cover) installed in 2019 by artists Elio Mercado and Broderick Flanigan. Hot Corner Association founder Homer Wilson, who is depicted in the mural, cut the ribbon to commemorate the mural’s completion. It depicts Monroe “Pink” Morton, who built Morton Theater, Homer Wilson cutting a child’s hair, and several black musicians.
In 1946 The Susan Medical Center, Athens first African-American Maternity Hospital, was built at 1127 West Hancock Avenue. Dr. Andrew Jones founded the center in 1946 and it served the black community until the mid-1960s. Dr. Donnarell Green, the son of a local physician and midwife, purchased the building in 1954. The building now houses the law firm of Green & Green, both descendants of Dr. Green.
2021 is the 60th year of desegregation at The University of Georgia. The university became integrated in 1961 by its first two African American students, Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes. In 1963, the Clarke County public schools were integrated by Wilucia Green, Margie Green, and Bonnie Hampton.
In more recent years, Athens has had an Athens Area Black History Quiz Bowls, celebrated Juneteenth with a block party where hundreds of residents gather to continue the fight for racial justice, and have had wonderful virtual events from our public library.
Great Books to Read: A Story untold by Michael Thurmond, and Across the River: The People, The Places, and Culture of East Athens
Sources:
- A Short History of Black Athens · Brooklyn Cemetery Project · Death and Human History in Athens (uga.edu)
- Athens, GA African American Heritage | History & Culture (visitathensga.com)
- Celebrate Black History Month in Athens, Georgia (visitathensga.com)
- a_a_driving_tour.indd (squarespace.com)
- New mural honors African-American history in Athens - News - Athens Banner-Herald - Athens, GA (onlineathens.com)
