Georgia : Wisdom, Justice, Moderation

The state of Georgia is one of the original thirteen colonies that founded the United States. It has a rich and complex history that spans centuries, from the Native American tribes that first inhabited the area to the modern, diverse state it is today.

Native American Tribes

The first known inhabitants of what is now Georgia were the Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Chickasaw. They lived off the land, hunting and gathering, and had a rich cultural and religious life.

European Exploration and Colonization

In 1526, Spanish explorer Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón established a settlement in what is now Georgia, but it was short-lived due to disease and conflict with the local tribes. In 1565, Spanish settlers established a permanent settlement in nearby Florida, which became a major rival to the British colonies in the area.

In 1732, the British established the colony of Georgia, named in honor of King George II. The colony was founded as a buffer between the British colonies in South Carolina and the Spanish in Florida, and as a place to send debtors and other “undesirables” from England. James Oglethorpe, a member of the British Parliament, led the founding of the colony and established the city of Savannah.

Georgia played a significant role in the American Revolution, with patriots and loyalists both vying for control of the colony. In 1776, Georgia adopted its own constitution and declared independence from Great Britain. However, the state was quickly re-conquered by the British, and it was not until 1782 that the state was finally liberated by American forces.

Civil War and Reconstruction

During the Civil War, Georgia was a major battleground, with significant battles fought at Atlanta, Chickamauga, and Sherman’s March to the Sea. The state suffered significant damage and economic disruption, and the end of the war led to a period of reconstruction and reconciliation.

Despite being one of the Confederate states, Georgia was readmitted to the Union in 1870, and began a period of economic growth and modernization. The state’s economy was largely based on agriculture, particularly cotton, and the growth of railroads and industry helped to spur further development.

Modern Georgia

In the 20th century, Georgia played a significant role in the civil rights movement, with Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists leading the struggle for equality and justice. Georgia also became a major center for industry and commerce, with Atlanta emerging as a hub for finance, transportation, and culture.

Today, Georgia is a diverse and dynamic state, with a rich cultural heritage and a strong economy. The state is home to world-renowned universities, innovative companies, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene. From its early Native American roots to its present-day vibrancy, Georgia has played an important role in the history of the United States.

Racism has been an issue in the United States for centuries, and the state of Georgia is no exception. Despite progress made in the fight for racial equality, racism continues to rear its ugly head in the state. From the days of slavery and Jim Crow laws to current issues of police brutality and voter suppression, Georgia has a long and painful history of racial injustice.

One of the most notorious examples of racism in Georgia was the lynching of Leo Frank in 1915. Frank, a Jewish man, was accused of the murder of a young girl and was sentenced to death by an all-white jury, despite significant evidence pointing to his innocence. Frank’s lynching was carried out by a mob of people, and it was later found that the evidence against him had been fabricated in order to secure his conviction. The lynching of Leo Frank is a stark reminder of the brutality and injustice that many people of color have faced in Georgia.

Another example of racism in Georgia is the use of Jim Crow laws to enforce segregation and discrimination against African Americans. These laws, which were in effect from the late 1800s to the mid-1960s, were designed to maintain white supremacy and to deny African Americans basic rights and opportunities. Jim Crow laws in Georgia and other southern states created a system of separate but unequal facilities, such as schools, water fountains, and bathrooms, and enforced racial segregation in public spaces. These laws had a devastating impact on African American communities and perpetuated racist attitudes and beliefs that continue to this day.

More recently, Georgia has faced criticism for issues related to police brutality and voter suppression. In 2020, the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a young Black man, by white vigilantes in Glynn County, Georgia, sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism. In addition, Georgia has been criticized for its voter suppression tactics, which disproportionately affect communities of color. For example, in the 2018 gubernatorial race, then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp, who was responsible for overseeing the election, was accused of using his position to suppress the votes of African Americans through various means, including voter purges and closure of polling places in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Racism is an evil that has no place in a just and equitable society. It perpetuates inequality and denies people of color the opportunities and freedoms that they are entitled to as human beings. In order to overcome racism in Georgia and throughout the United States, it is essential to confront and acknowledge the past injustices and to work towards creating a more just and equitable future. This requires a commitment to ongoing education, awareness, and action to dismantle systemic racism and to promote equality and justice for all people.

SUNDOWN TOWNS IN GEORGIA

Sundown town, in U.S. history, is a town that excluded nonwhite people—most frequently African Americans—from remaining in town after sunset.

Here is a current list of sundown towns in Georgia. This list has been created by Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, MS. This list is a work in progress. Some cities have been confirmed as sundown towns and some are listed for other or similar reasons.

Avondale Estates

Banks County

Blairsville

Blue Ridge

Chamblee

Cherokee County *

Clayton

Dahlonega

Dawson County

Forsyth County

Gilmer County

Murray County

Palmetto

Pickens County

Rabun County

Thomas County

Towns County

Tybee Island

Union County

Watkinsville