History + Heritage
Black History in Griffin
Black history is deeply woven into the story of Griffin, Georgia. From education and entrepreneurship to athletics, aviation, and the arts, Black leaders have shaped the character, resilience, and progress of this community for generations. Honoring their contributions is not simply about remembering the past – it is about recognizing the foundation upon which Griffin continues to grow. Black history in Griffin reflects courage, excellence, innovation, and an enduring commitment to opportunity that still influences our city today.
Our Legacy Museum
Located in Griffin’s historic Fairmont Community, Our Legacy Museum is housed in a beautifully restored Rosenwald School building originally constructed in 1929. The school first served as Vocational High School for African American students. After the addition of an Equalization Building, the campus became known as Fairmont High School, an institution that educated generations of local students and became a cornerstone of the community.
Today, the museum preserves and shares the rich history, achievements, and contributions of African Americans in Griffin, Spalding County, and beyond. Through engaging exhibits, interactive experiences, historic artifacts, and personal stories, visitors can explore themes of education, civil rights, faith, military service, business, sports, and community leadership.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Our Legacy Museum offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people, places, and stories that helped shape our community.
History lives here. Come discover your legacy.
Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
547 N. 3rd Street
Griffin, GA 30223
770-228-4120
Wyomia Tyus
Wyomia Tyus was born and raised in Griffin, Georgia, and went on to become one of the most decorated sprinters in Olympic history. At the 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games, Tyus won back-to-back gold medals in the 100-meter dash, becoming the first person in history – male or female – to defend an Olympic title in that event. Her speed, discipline, and poise on the world stage brought pride not only to the nation but to her hometown of Griffin.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Tyus used her platform during a turbulent era in American history to quietly advocate for civil rights and equality. Her legacy is one of excellence, humility, and courage. Griffin proudly claims Wyomia Tyus as one of its own – a hometown hero whose achievements changed the landscape of women’s sports and whose character continues to inspire generations. There is an amazing sports facility in Griffin that includes a Soccer Complex, a Pickle Ball Complex, as well as playgrounds, walking tracks, trails, and a 5K route to honor this local hero.
Janet Bragg: Griffin's Aviation Pioneer
Born on March 24, 1907, in Griffin, Georgia, Janet Bragg was a groundbreaking aviator who overcame racial and gender barriers to become one of America’s aviation pioneers. Bragg attended Episcopal boarding schools before enrolling at Spelman College in Atlanta, where she earned her nursing degree and qualified as a registered nurse in 1929.
Following graduation, Bragg moved to Chicago, where she worked at Wilson Hospital while pursuing her dream of becoming a pilot. Despite facing discrimination in the aviation industry, she persevered and, in 1933, became the first African American woman to earn a commercial pilot’s license. Her achievement came at a time when opportunities for women and African Americans in aviation were severely limited, making her success all the more remarkable.
Janet Bragg’s determination, courage, and commitment to excellence helped pave the way for future generations of aviators. Today, she is celebrated as a trailblazer whose legacy continues to inspire people to pursue their dreams and break through barriers.
Visitors can honor Griffin’s hometown aviation pioneer by visiting the Janet Bragg Memorial Mural located on Solomon Street, just west of 8th Street in downtown Griffin. The mural serves as a colorful tribute to her extraordinary life and historic accomplishments.
Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington and the Rosenwald Schools
Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, partnered with educator Booker T. Washington to fund the construction of thousands of schools for African American children across the rural South in the early 20th century. These “Rosenwald Schools” became pillars of hope and progress in communities that had been denied equitable educational resources.
Griffin and Spalding County were among the many Georgia communities shaped by this initiative. Rosenwald schools in the area provided structured learning environments, community gathering spaces, and a foundation for advancement during segregation. The impact of Rosenwald’s philanthropy lives on in Griffin through the generations of students whose lives were changed by access to education, opportunity, and dignity.
Dox Thrash
Dox Thrash was born in Griffin, Georgia, in 1893 and grew to become an internationally recognized printmaker and artist. Best known for co-inventing the carborundum mezzotint printmaking process, Thrash’s work captured everyday African American life with depth, realism, and humanity. His art stands today in major museum collections across the United States.
Thrash’s early years in Griffin shaped his perspective and artistic voice. Through his work, he documented the dignity, resilience, and experiences of Black Americans during a period of profound social change. Griffin holds an important place in his story as the starting point of a life that would go on to influence American art history and expand representation within the fine arts.
