This summer, Walker County, Georgia took a step forward in recognizing part of its own past.
County commissioners unanimously approved the use of the Wardlaw Building in LaFayette as the home of a new African-American Museum and Heritage Center.
Once built, the museum and heritage center - along with a memorial park - will share the history of Walker County’s Black residents beyond enslavement.
Beverly Foster - a local historian whose family has been in the area since the 1800’s - chairs the task force for these projects, which will now require fundraising from the community.
Robert Wardlaw is executive director of the Walker County Development Authority - his family donated the building to the county decades ago.
Andy Arnold is the Mayor of LaFayette - and Elizabeth Wells is a consultant with the city.