Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/26753
BookerT.Washington. Morning Star Baptist Church was founded in 1892 and is one of the oldest African-American churches inVirginia Beach. Church members have been collecting memora- bilia depicting the lives of African-Americans from 1892 to 1950. As one might expect not only was slavery and plantation life a staple of early Virginia, maritime activities played a huge role in the areas development and many of the muse- ums in the area chronicle that achievement, including the contributions of many Blacks. And you can’t say the word spring break without thinking about Virginia Beach and Black college students. “A past to cherish, a future to fulfill.” These words are inscribed on one of Macon, Georgia’s, historic markers dedi- cated to preserving the city’s rich African-American her- itage. There are at least 22 cultural and historical sites throughout the city. The Tubman African American museum features a 63-ft. long mural centerpiece of the museum “From Africa to America” created by Macon artist Wilfred Stroud. As the name suggests it’s a visual history of Black people from the early days in Africa to our famous African American leaders of today. If you love music, head to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon and look at the careers of Little Richard, Ray Charles, Lena Horne, Gladys Knight and the father of Gospel Music, Reverend Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey. Sports buff should enjoy the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame with over 3,000 artifacts and a 205-seat ballpark theater. Take a look into the lives of Hank Aaron, Dominique Wilkins, Evander Holyfield, Jackie Robinson and others. Macon has several historic districts, landmarks and memorials including a statue of native son Otis Redding and a bridge named in his honor. If you’re looking for a place to worship while in town, the Visit us from your phone. 40 SHINE ON city has several historic Black churches to choose from. And if your travels take you to Macon in late April check out the Pan African American Festival. Black Meetings & Tourism January/February 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com TechGeek: First time attending annual mtg. So glad I came. Gr8 sessions, gr8 venue, awesome city! PHOENIX. It comes 2 life. Vi s i t Phoenix @v i s i tphoenix