Welcome to 2026! On behalf of the staff, Board of Directors and volunteers I would like to thank all our supporters for making 2025 an amazing year. But it is now a new year that comes with a new set of hopes and challenges.
I am excited for all the programs and initiatives we plan to undertake in 2026. But before I discuss 2026, it is crucial I address the December 16, 2025, vote by the Richmond County Commission that cut our budget. In case you were unaware, with one vote the Richmond County Commission, with a 6-5 vote, the mayor casting the deciding vote, cut 100% of the funding we receive from the city, or 60% of our annual budget.
Like other non-governmental organizations, we rely on this funding to assist in our children’s programming, monthly community events, pay utilities that allow for us to operate at peak condition, provide salaries for our three professional and support staff, as well as a host of other services.
While not a total shock, as we could see that the Commission was moving in the direction of cutting partial funding to NGO’s going forward, it came as a surprise the city government would make a 100% cut so quickly.
Layered on top of that and probably more concerning was the carve-out given to the Augusta Museum, providing partial funding for them! This attitude of valuing one cultural institution over another is unacceptable. But we will continue to promote the mission of the museum and push forward.
The Laney Museum is currently planning for our 35th Anniversary celebrations. We will kick off our festivities on June 8, culminating with a black-tie gala in the fall of 2026. It is our hope that with a 350 celebration we can raise a minimum of $350,000 dollars, symbolic of the 35 years, but also a good foundation that will allow us to become less reliant on city funding and more self-sufficient.
I also want to reassure all of you who support the museum. Our daily operations will continue without interruption. We will not be deterred from the good work we do for the River Region by a group of local officials that lack both the cultural vision and awareness to recognize that the Lucy Craft Laney Museum, the Greater Augusta Arts Council, and the other NGO’s play a vital role in making Augusta an unique and remarkable place to live and visit.
We will be stronger because of this! And with your continued support, we will continue to expand our impact on the River Region. We are a small museum that casts a large footprint. Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History soon!
