Preserving Troup County's african american history
Our Goal
The Enlightenment Center for African American History aims to preserve the valuable history of the LaGrange, Georgia's rich African American history. This includes the Hamilton Road Corridor that was once a thriving business hub for African American businesses,. Those establishments include Hot's Barber Shop, Lakes Duncan Robertson Funeral Home, American Legion post, site of the Frank Cox Park, once site of Kelley Grammer, Union Street School, and many others.
Discover lagrange's african american history
Horace King
Horace T. Ward
Horace T. Ward
Once born a slave from South Carolina, Horace King rose and became an architect, engineer, and bridge builder throughout the South, such as LaGrange, and an overall leader within his community. King also served on Alabama's House of Representatives from 1868 to 1872.
Horace T. Ward
Horace T. Ward
Horace T. Ward
A LaGrange, Georgia native, Horace T. Ward's remarkable career led him to many opportunities. He was appointed as the first African American federal judge by President Jimmy Carter.
Education
Horace T. Ward
Organizations
LaGrange, Georgia had many African American schools such as Union Street School, East Depot Street School, Kelly Grammar School, Ethel Kight High School, and Jones Street School. We also include legacies of educators such as William J. Griggs (above) and Mrs. Ethel Kight.
Organizations
Honoring Mayor Willie T. Edmondson
Organizations
The African American community were led by organizations such as the NAACP LaGrange chapter, and churches such as Saint Paul Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist Church, Warren Temple United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church, Divine 9 and more.
Honoring Mayor Willie T. Edmondson
Honoring Mayor Willie T. Edmondson
Honoring Mayor Willie T. Edmondson
ECAAH illuminates remembering LaGrange's first African American Mayor, Dr. Willie T. Edmondson, who joined the ancestors in February 2024. Join us on our journey as we honor his legacy.
Membership Coming Soon!
Honoring Mayor Willie T. Edmondson
Honoring Mayor Willie T. Edmondson
Becoming a member of the Enlightenment Center for African American History will give you and your family exclusive benefits that will come in the future.
Our Partners
