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MUSEUM
A Historical Hidden Gem
Visit the Copeland African American Museum for Black History Month
by MALIA THOMAS photography by PAUL LEAVY
The country comes together in celebration of Black history and culture every February for National Black History Month . Black History Month serves to recognize the significant contributions made by African-Americans . The twentieth-century scholar Carter Woodson established Black History Month . From his perspective , the history of the United States lacked sufficient inclusion of Black Americans . In the same vein , Woodson yearned for the day when African American history would be recognized as legitimate in the eyes of the general public . Black History Month was established in 1976 by President Gerald Ford , who had previously established Negro History Week . February was ultimately chosen to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and noted civil rights advocate Frederick Douglass .
Prior to 2020 , however , the closest Black History museum to commemorate that history was the Jack Hadley Black History Museum in Thomasville , an hour out . Valdosta , despite the city ’ s sizable Black population , had to make a drive out of the way if they wanted to immerse themselves in Black history outside the classroom or oral tradition .
The Copeland African American Museum lives by its motto : ‘ Excellence , Resilience , Bravery , Determination on Display .’
32 Valdosta Scene | February 2023