The history of Thomasville has already been documented; however, documentation without complete representation of Colored, Negroes, Blacks, Afro-Americans, and African American citizens becomes null and void to a people who can validate their existence as early as the inception of our hometown.
Something profound happened at the combined Class Reunion A. L. Martin High School classes of 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1964 at their banquet on July 3, 2010. The aura was mystical. Something amazing was about to happen. Did we attribute it to our surroundings? Perhaps, the historic Champion House in downtown Thomasville was the setting.
Our banquet speaker was Dr. James (Crayton) Hartley, class of ’61. His speech ended with a challenge to do something productive. He introduced the idea of writing our history and how we fit into the larger scheme of things here in Thomasville. A survey was taken to determine who would be interested in putting such a project together and less than 10 of the seventy attendees gave a positive response. He would not be deterred. A meeting was called for September 16, 2010, and the Historical Committee for Blacks in Thomasville (HiCBiT) was formed.
HiCBiT members are Dr. James Hartley, Louise Davis Knox, Sally Johnson Howard, Jimmy Dumas, and Mary Dumas Andrews.
It has been said, “You never know what’s in the pot until you stir it up and see what comes out of it.” We began stirring by advertising for information and interest, and we were quite surprised at the outpouring of information. As we gathered, assembled, and sorted, our hearts were made glad by the reception of so many people from far and near.
The basis for our strength to endure is the “Pilot” that Tennyson alluded to in his poem, Crossing the Bar. The “Pilot” in this poem, explains, “That Divine and unseen” who is always guiding us.
It is with grateful appreciation to Pastor Carlton L. Hogue of the New Greater First Baptist Church for allowing us to utilize the Manzie Annex for our meetings.
Special thanks to Alberta Smiley Dixon and Esmeraldo Smiley for your major contributions to this work. To all persons/family who shared articles, receipts, photos, and other memorabilia with us; we are truly grateful. To Lee Davis for your expertise and skills; and to Deborah Rankins for your commitment to our project; we thank you. To all persons not mentioned, thank you so much. IN HIS NAME! The HiCBiT Staff.
The A. L. Martin Historical Museum was founded by the Historical Committee for Blacks in Thomasville (HiCBiT) in 2013. The museum traces the roles Black Thomasvillians played in the origin and growth of Thomasville, as well as documents early education and its impact.
Mr. G. B. Quinney, Museum Director
Ms. Shirley Davis, Secretary
Ms. Delois Owes, Treasurer
Supt. Jimmy Allen
Ms. Emma R. Harris
Ms. Joanne Howard
Ms. Mammye Johnson
Dr. Ronald Powe
Ms. Lois N. Thompson
Mr. Larry Watkins
Mr. Henry Lindsey Williams
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