Annual Quiz Bowl
March 23, 2024
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Augusta Public Library, Main Branch, Telfair Street
Many thanks to Wingstop Charities for being the sponsor for this year’s event!
March 23, 2024
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Augusta Public Library, Main Branch, Telfair Street
Many thanks to Wingstop Charities for being the sponsor for this year’s event!
Live Lovely for Excellence: Join us for the official opening of the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club Exhibition on March 17, 2024, 3:00-4:30 p.m. at The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and Conference Center, located at 1116 Phillips Street, off Laney Walker Blvd.
Join us on March 17th as we celebrate the continued legacy of this enduring institution. There will be a brief panel discussion with debutantes past and present. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
The exhibit will be on display from March 17th to April 28th and will highlight the history and legacy of the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club, and its founder, Rosa T. Beard.
For other programming connected to the exhibition or to make a donation towards the exhibit or historic marker honoring Rosa T. Beard please click on the link below or visit the social media pages of the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club Inc. and the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, or call 706-724-3576.
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum will host two author talks and book signings in March in the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History Conference Room.
Olivia Gaines (also known as Cheryl Corbin) will give an author’s talk on March 16th at 5:30pm. She is a USA Today Best Selling, Emma Award, and multiple award-winning author who loves a good laugh coupled with some steam, mixed in with a man and woman finding their way past the words of “I love you.” An author of contemporary romances, she writes heartwarming stories of blossoming relationships filled with heart and humor. The Technicians, The Blakemore Files, and the Modern Mail Order Brides, are one clicks for thousands of readers.
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love. Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean. Learn more about her books, upcoming releases and join her bibliophile nation at www.ogaines.com.
Dr. Janaka Bowman Lewis will give a talk on March 23 at 5:30pm. The title of the talk will be: Radical Creativity: Black Women and Girls Writing their Stories. Dr. Lewis is Associate Professor of English and Interim Chair of Writing, Rhetoric & Digital Studies. A Tedx 2021 speaker (UNC Charlotte), author of Freedom Narratives of African American Women, Light and Legacies: Black Girlhood and Stories of Liberation, three children’s books (Brown All Over, Bold Nia Marie Passes the Test, and Dr. King is Tired, Too!!) and founder of the Vanilla Bowman Foundation for Educational Impact, Lewis serves on the Freedom School Partners and Rise 2 Thrive Family Resource Center boards. She was in Charlotte Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” 2020 class.
Based on Light and Legacies, this talk will discuss how Black women literary figures have told and represented their girlhood stories. Including activists Angela Davis and Assata Shakur, writer Toni Morrison, and the fictional stories of Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), she will discuss how liberation is an intergenerational discussion. Janaka’s talk is being co-sponsored by the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and the Augusta African American Historical Society. Her latest book link is https://uscpress.com/Light-and-Legacies.
To register please call the Museum at 706.724.3576.
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and Conference Center would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of Ed Tarver. Mr. Tarver was a champion of justice in our country through his work as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia during the Obama administration; he represented the people of Georgia admirably as a state Senator; and he was a dear friend and supporter of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. His passion and love for his community will surely be missed.
Augusta’s Black Caddies – The Men on the Bag Experience brings to life the rich history and pivotal role Black Caddies played in assisting the world’s top golfers in winning the most famous golf tournament in the world: The Masters. See experienced actors portray such notable caddies as Willie “Pappy” Stokes, called the Godfather of caddies, and Willie Frank “Cemetery” Perteet, the personal caddie of President Eisenhower. You will also have a chance to meet one of our “living legend” caddies to include Tommy “Burnt Biscuit” Bennett, Jim “Big Boy” Dent as well as many others. The famous pimento cheese sandwich and drinks will be served.
There will be a special April 4, 2024, 6:00 pm presentation of Men on the Bag featuring Ward Clayton, author of the book Men on the Bag.
Experiences are scheduled each month on Saturday & Sunday on the dates below.
In honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club, The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History in partnership with the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club will host an exhibition March 9, 2024 – April 30, 2024, at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum Conference Center. The exhibit will include the history of the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club, debutante and sub-debutante dresses, escort attire and memorabilia, along with personal testimonials, etiquette, dance demonstrations and more.
The RTB Debs planning committee includes Rev. Cheryl Beard (Debutante, 1979 Cotillion), Ms. Toni Dean (Debutante, 1988 Cotillion), Ms. Brittany Noel Corbin (Debutante, 2001 Cotillion), and Mr. Corey Rogers (Escort, 1992 Cotillion). If you have photographs, articles, or other personal items related to the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club and would like to donate or loan them for the exhibit, please call the Laney Museum at 706-724-3576 or email rtbdebs.laneymuseum@gmail.com.
You may also participate by taking a short survey about your experience as a Rosa T. Beard debutante, sub-debutante, escort, or adviser by visiting: http://tinyurl.com/RTBExhibit.
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History Annual Golf Tournament Honors Four Black Golfers
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum will host its 8th Annual Golf Tournament on May 18, 2024. The Museum will be honoring the 60th Anniversary of the four Black Golfers who desegregated the Augusta Municipal Golf Course (The Patch) in 1964: John Elam, Clois Herndon, Raymond Jenkins and Dr. Harry Maurice Thompson.
The four-person best ball tournament (Captain Choice) will be held at The Augusta Municipal Golf Course, with late registration at 7AM-7:30AM. Tee-time will be 8:30AM – Shotgun Start. Early registration is recommended since the tournament has sold-out for the past two years, and there is a limited number of openings.
Golfer’s Entry Fee is $90 EARLY BIRD now – May 12th, or $100 per player on day of Tournament – subject to availability. Early Registration includes one Museum Tour Admission.
A Golf Tournament pairing and Reception will be held at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum on May 17th from 6:00 – 9:00pm. The reception will include beverages, light food, entertainment and a tour of the museum and the current special Golf Exhibition. All funds raised from the tournament will be used to renovate the Museum’s Administration building.
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum has served as a cornerstone for the cultural and historical preservation of African-Americans in Augusta and the surrounding area since opening in 1991. In addition to recognizing Black leaders in Augusta, the museum sponsors numerous community outreach initiatives that include exhibitions, lectures, youth camps, and tours of Augusta’s historic Black sites.
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History
Guest Speaker: Dr. Sharica Brookins
Our featured speaker for the Morch 13th Community Luncheon is Dr. Shorico Brookins. Shorico Brookins, M.D., FASN, is o board-certified Nephrologist & Internist licensed in Georgia. Dr. Brookins graduated from Florido State University with o Bachelor of Science, followed by Meharry Medical College
with o Doctorate of Medicine. After completing her Nephrology fellowship training at Vanderbilt University, she relocated to Augusto, Georgia, to
practice as the first & only Block Nephrologist in Augusto. Dr. Brookins is the Founder & CEO of Remote Renal Core, o teleheolth kidney practice providing core to Georgia since 2018. Her topic is Post & Present of Kidney Disease in African Americans.
Deadline to RSVP and pay is Monday, March 11, 2024.
To make a reservation please call 706-724-3576 or email Cynthia Riley at cynthia@lucycraftlaneymuseum.com
Our featured speaker for April will be Augusto Mayor Garnett Johnson.
Program Manager, Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and Conference Center
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History has visitors throughout the year from all over the world. At the end of many tours, the most common question I am asked by local and non-local visitors is what other black-history related places can be visited in the area.
This in fact is one of my favorite questions, because it gives me a chance to promote the city and all the wonderful efforts that have been made to preserve its history, and specifically black history. I’ve compiled a list of places in downtown Augusta, primarily in the Laney-Walker Boulevard Corridor, where one can easily spend a day or two enjoying Augusta’s African American history.
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and Grave Site of Miss Laney
Learn about the legacy of educator Lucy Craft Laney, the history of the Golden Blocks Neighborhood and other history-making African Americans in the River Region.
Laney-Walker Boulevard “History Walk”
Take a stroll down Laney-Walker Boulevard and learn about the contributions of 27 influential African Americans from the Augusta community in the arts, religion, education, medicine, and science.
Golden Blocks Tour – Virtual or Self-guided
Take a virtual tour or self-guided tour of Augusta’s historic black neighborhood – The Golden Blocks. Encompassing multiple blocks near the Laney-Walker Boulevard corridor, it was once a thriving and synergic residential neighborhood interspersed with African-American owned business. For more information visit: http://bit.ly/goldenblockstour
Golden Block Murals Located in the Laney-Walker Boulevard Corridor
While visiting the Laney-Walker Boulevard Corridor, enjoy public art murals from four of Augusta’s African American artists. The murals highlight the people of and capture the spirit of the Golden Blocks Community.
Twiggs Street Statue
Many of Augusta’s African Americans in medicine resided in the Twiggs Street area of the Golden Blocks. Visit the soon to be unveiled statue that will pay tribute to local African Americans in medicine.
Springfield Village Park
Within walking distance of the Augusta Riverwalk, lies Springfield Village Park, established in recognition of Augusta’s Free Black Community that inhabited that area through the 18th and early 20th centuries. Adjacent to the park, rests Springfield Baptist, the oldest continually operated African American church in the country and origins of Atlanta’s Morehouse College.
James Brown Boulevard Wall Mural and Various Murals Along Broad Street
Enjoy highlights from the life of internationally known R&B singer James Brown through a colorful mural located on the formerly named 9th Street, where he once shined shoes, and other murals interspersed along Broad Street corridor. The mural is not too far away from a park featuring a life-sized statue of the Godfather of Soul.
James Family Historical Tours
Visit Augusta’s sites significant to James Brown from the days of his childhood to his success as an world-renowned superstar. Tours are held once a week on Saturdays.
In the River Region, one can learn about the area’s black history, arts and culture by also visiting the Augusta Museum of History; Augusta Canal Museum; the Morris Museum of Art; the City Gallery at the Augusta Richmond County Municipal Building; the 1970 Augusta Riot Exhibit at the Augusta Mini Theatre; the North Augusta Arts & Heritage Center; Aiken’s Center for African American History, Art and Culture; the McCormick County African American Museum; and Redcliffe Plantation, Beech Island, SC.
The Giving Tree honors all of our cherished supporters who have purchased a leaf or stone. The Giving Tree sculpture provides permanent recognition and advertisement for the museum sponsors and donors at specific levels. Sponsors and donors can help to preserve the legacy of Lucy Craft Laney through art, history and the preservation of her home throughout the year.
Based on the level of giving, sponsors/donors will receive an engraved leaf (bronze, silver, or gold), an acorn, or a large stone. Contact Corey Rogers at 706-724-3576 to find out how you can be a part of the Giving Tree!
Sponsorship Levels/Giving Tree Presentation (Leaf)
$10,000+ Presenting/Platinum Large Stone
$5000 Diamond/Ornate Acorn
$2500 Emerald/Acorn
$1000 Gold/Gold Leaf
$500 Silver/Silver Leaf
$250 Bronze/Bronze Leaf
During the time of segregation, the area nicknamed the Golden Blocks was the heart of Augusta’s black business community. In the Laney Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods, black-owned banks, insurance companies, theaters and other businesses worked to offset discrimination and thrived, creating a strong sense of community. Find out more about the people who were a key part of Augusta’s Golden Blocks.
Guided tours through the museum’s permanent exhibitions – the Lucy Craft Laney Exhibition, the Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Exhibition, the Alice Davis Collection, and the Augusta Ebony Legacy Collection-provide visitors with an overview of Black Augustans’ contributions at the local, state, national, and international levels. The museum also displays a number of rotating exhibitions which feature well known and emerging artists; and, educational forums with community leaders. The Annual Lucy Laney Craft Quilt Exhibition showcases regional fiber artists. Special exhibitions about entertainer James Brown, golf, and historical milestones are also popular attractions.
Guided tours are offered Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 10:30am; 11:30am & 2:30pm. SelfGuided tours are available Wednesday & Friday at 10:30am; 11:30am & 2:30pm. The museum is closed 12:00- 1pm. Reservations are required. Group tours of 10 or more visitors must be booked in advance and may be offered flexible tour times. The museum is opened Sundays only for special events.