By Dr. Doris Davenport
This article, the last of four, is based on the 20 history panels of the Regional African American Museum [RAAM] and a chapter in the recent publication by the Habersham Historical Society [HCHS], Habersham200: New Thoughts of Old Things (A Brief History 1818-2018). The chapter is Section III, “African American Communities of Habersham County.” Used with permission. Additionally, coverage of RAAM’s development can be found in this newspaper’s archives. Special thanks to Mrs. Betty Gober for ongoing “backup.”
To recapitulate: “In 2010, the founding members of the Board of Directors of the Regional African American Museum of Northeast Georgia, Inc. (RAAM) were: Edward Brown Jr.; Betty Gober; Andrea Harper; Dr. Audrey Rosser Milo; Rev. Dr. Ann Nicely; Marion Smith; and Jim Johnston. Audrey Davenport, a graphic designer, was temporary curator; she produced 20 3’x 3’ topic-based panels: Arts, Community, Education, Government, Heritage, Industry, Kindred Counties (Banks, Rabun, White, with Stephens added later), Military, Religion, Sports, and We Remember” (edited from Habersham200, pp. 131-2). Additionally, the RAAM Board attempted to secure the (then empty and un-used) Cornelia Regional [Colored] High School Building or (CRHS, circa1958-1966) for the permanent display but could not except briefly, for the 2013 School Reunion. (See correction, page 2A.) The RAAM panels are now displayed at the Ballard Center.
As with the panels, in these articles, my goal is to “celebrate, exalt, preserve,” and also, to share cultural information. For example, a “Mr.” or “Miss” [sounds more like “Miz”] used with an adult or Elder’s first name is a sign of familiarity, deep affection, and respect. And respect is certainly due the myriad contributors to our ongoing local history, some included in RAAM, others to be updated. Here are a few more history makers, presented in “bullet point” with photos. (This newspaper, by the way, commendably covers a variety of individual achievements.)
Marie Cochran of Toccoa (Stephens County), a visual artist, has also served on the RAAM Board. She curates the Affrilachian Artist Project (founded 2011), and her historical-based work appears most recently in Southern Women: More Than 100 Stories of Innovators, Artists, and Icons (Garden & Gun Editors, 2019).
On Feb. 6, Andy Allen of the Historic Bean Creek Community, was guest speaker at the White County Historical Society. Allen is also the creator and administrator of the Inda Y. Allen Scholarship Fund, since1987, honoring her (deceased) daughter, Inda; the widely supported Annual Fund-Raising Potluck Dinner still meets every November.
Also in White County, and a “First,” Annie Sutton is running for Mayor of Cleveland. Previously Sutton was a member of the Cleveland City Council for 20 years. She is a lifelong resident of the Historical Hood Street section of town.
For more than 30 years, Tony Cook of Cornelia has been steadily, quietly making history. He is an entrepreneur, as CEO of Tony Cook Trucking and has been 4th Ward Commissioner for more than 20 years.
Sandra “Teddy” Tutt is a history-making writer, with two books featuring her mother, Mrs. Ladell Tutt. The newest is Cooking with Momma Ladell: The Story Continues (2018). Teddy also contributed an article to a recent issue of this paper.
The Alliance for African American Music in Northeast Georgia, established in 1990, celebrated its 29th annual concert on Sunday Feb. 23. Rev. Dr. Ann Nicely has worked with the Alliance since 1990 and has been Director of this commendable group since 2010.
Kerri Davis advises a group named S.H.E. which stands for Sophisticated, Hardworking and Exceptional. This is a group of young women, 6th-12th grades, whose focus is college and career opportunities. By their request and advance reservation, on Feb. 29, S.H.E. will experience a “history talk” at the RAAM museum (with Dr. Doris Davenport). S.H.E. and like-minded others, will undoubtedly build on RAAM’s foundations, continuing their own research interests.
The “God Organizing Leading & Developing Community Development Ministry, Inc.,” or G.O.L.D., a Shady Grove Baptist Church affiliate, has been operational since 2000. Mentored, as so many community projects are, by the energy, dedication and insight of Mrs. Betty (“Miz Betty”) Gober, G.O.L.D. sponsors, among other things, the “Run for Gold 5k Run/Walk.” (This year’s event is on Mar. 14, honoring Ms. Addie Williams. For info: www.active.com/cornelia-ga/running/distance-running-races/run-for-gold-community-5k-run-walk-2020).
In 2019, the 5k run/walk honored Ms. Anna Tutt. Everyone knew Miz Anna (d. 2008). She was a living icon, known for her independent spirit, eccentric wit and her style (with “Cherries Jubilee” lipstick) and the fact that she walked everywhere, well into her 80’s. In her memory, a bench was installed at the corner of Pine and N. Main St. The bench’s plaque reads, “In Honor of Miss Anna Tutt, A Cornelia Treasure, from Her Friends and Family.”
So, in honor of Miz Anna, Miz Addie, and other Elders; in celebration of the 10-year RAAM anniversary, I invite you – literally and figuratively – to take a walk through the richness of African American history or rather, Afrilachian History (African American and Appalachian). Walk, then rest on Miz Anna’s bench. Then, remembering her and similar Black women, stroll on into March, to celebrate (Inter)National Women’s History Month.
The Regional African American Museum (RAAM) is located at the J.P. Ballard Center at 353 Chattahoochee Street in Cornelia, along with the Habersham County Historical Society, Inc. The Museum is open every Saturday in February from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We currently need volunteers interested in becoming board members. For details, call Audrey Davenport, 404-271-2468.