Lucy Craft Laney (1854-1933), born in Macon, Georgia as a free person of color, became a nationally prominent educator and social reformer. Chiefly, she founded the Haines Normal and Industrial Institute, the first kindergarten for African-American children in Augusta, and the Lamar School of Nursing. She was one of the charter members when the NAACP, Augusta Branch was established in 1917. A tireless leader during Georgia’s Progressive Era, Miss Laney also courageously promoted women’s voting rights and interracial cooperation.

With schools, buildings, organizations, and awards throughout the nation named in her honor, Miss Laney is remembered as a pioneer and model figure for education and social activism.