2018 Shipp Family Reunion

Victor Feliciano operates a one-man show in Columbus, Phenix City and Fort Mitchell. Check him out at www.vicinitytours.com.

Mildred Terry was the first librarian of the Fourth Avenue Library until her retirement. It later changed its name to honor her but has moved locations.

The Fifth Avenue School was the first junior high school for African Americans. William H. Spencer was the principal.

The original Spencer High School, constructed in 1930, was named posthumously for William H. Spencer. It burned down in 1953.

This is a picture of the second Spencer High School which is now Marshall Middle School.

William H. Spencer was the principal of the Lowe School and after his death Spencer High School, the first high school for African Americans in Columbus, was named in his honor.

The Dillingham Bridge was built by Horace King, a former slave.

The 14th Street Bridge was renamed in honor of Horace King, a former slave who built many bridges throughout the Southeast.

Horace King learned how to build bridges from his master, John Goodwin. After emancipation, he continued building bridges and became a legislator.

After being denied the right to vote in 1944, Primus King took his case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. He won the right for black people to vote in Georgia.

Dr. Thomas H. Brewer was a well-known physician, known as the "Chief", who helped establish the Columbus Colored Medical Association and served as vice president of Columbus's NAACP chapter.

The child of former slaves, Alma Thomas grew to become a reknowned artist. Her work is now in the Columbus Museum - a building she was not allowed to enter.

The Ninth Street YMCA was the first modern YMCA for African Americans in the US.

After emancipation and due to segregation, housing for freed slaves was resticted to the eastern edge of the original Columbus city limits. Because this land was low in elevation and surrounded Weracobba Creek, it became known as "The Bottom." The creek flooded regularly which made this area the least desirable part of the city.

"Ma" Rainey is considered to be the mother of the blues.

Najee Dorsey is a local artist.

Amy Sherald created the portrait of Former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Portrait of Michelle Obama by Amy Sherald.

Wayne Brady is a comedian, actor and host of the show "Let's Make A Deal".

Frank "The Big Hurt" Thomas is in the baseball Hall of Fame.

Eugene Bullard is the world's first black aviator.

A.J. McClung is Columbus's first and only African-American mayor.

Porterdale Cemetery was designated as Columbus's black cemetery.