By Aimee Serafin
This Saturday, November 9th, will kick off the opening ceremony for the Golden Blocks Project in Augusta. It was during the segregation era in the southeast that a corridor of thriving businesses on what is today James Brown and Laney-Walker Boulevards offset discrimination toward black businesses and developed a strong sense of community downtown. At the time, this area nicknamed the Golden Blocks, was the hub of Augusta’s successful black businesses. The Laney-Walker and Bethlehem communities today are the home to the special Golden Blocks project spearheaded by the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and the Greater Augusta Arts Council. Through a new public art endeavor they seek to pay homage to the historical and cultural significance of the downtown area.
Saturday’s program will include community remarks and performances by local artists:
Audrey Sala Adenike Jeter Allen: mural and new musical composition
Kristie Robin Johnson: poetry
Ashley Gray: ceramic tile map installation
Sara Cooks: Golden Blocks markers, to be unveiled
There will be a walking tour of the Golden Blocks and a reception and tour at Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History (1116 Phillips Street).
The Golden Blocks Opening Ceremony
Saturday, November 9th
2:30 – 3:30pm
A.R. Johnson’s Lecture Hall
1324 Laney-Walker Blvd.
Aimee Serafin, editor of the Augusta Family Magazine.
