Augusta to Honor Rev. Dr. William Jefferson White Sr.

News Summary

Augusta will celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. William Jefferson White Sr. with a historical marker dedication ceremony at Harmony Baptist Church on Thursday at 10 a.m. The event commemorates Rev. White’s significant contributions to education and civil rights in the African American community during the Reconstruction era. Born in 1831, he was a carpenter, educator, and minister, instrumental in establishing local educational institutions and advocating for civil rights. His efforts continue to impact Augusta’s community today.

Augusta will honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. William Jefferson White Sr. with a historical marker dedication ceremony taking place on Thursday at Harmony Baptist Church. The public event is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the church located at 930 Hopkins St. It aims to commemorate the significant contributions of Rev. White, an influential figure in the African American community during the Reconstruction era.

Born in 1831, Rev. Dr. William Jefferson White Sr. was a prominent free man of color who spent the majority of his life in Augusta. He made notable strides as a carpenter, educator, and minister prior to the emancipation of enslaved individuals. His dedication to education and civil rights continued after the Civil War, when he took on the role of an educational agent for the Freedmen’s Bureau, designed to assist newly freed slaves in the south.

Rev. White was one of the founding members of Harmony Baptist Church, which represents a pivotal point in Augusta’s religious history. In addition to his work at the church, he played a critical role in establishing the Augusta Baptist Institute, which is currently recognized as Morehouse College, a leading historically black college.

During the Reconstruction era, Rev. White was instrumental in organizing the Georgia Republican Party, advocating for civil rights and educational opportunities for African Americans. His commitment to these causes was evident when he helped establish Augusta’s Ware High School in 1880, further enhancing access to education for Black students in the community.

Furthering his advocacy, he founded the Georgia Baptist, a weekly newspaper aimed at addressing pressing religious and civil rights issues within the African American community. His journalistic work helped to shed light on the pervasive racial violence and lynchings occurring in the region, and he faced significant backlash and threats for his reporting. Rev. White’s contributions earned him the title “Georgia Baptist Man,” reflecting his commitment to challenging injustice and supporting civil rights.

Rev. Dr. William Jefferson White Sr. continued to serve as a working pastor until his death in 1913. His grave is located in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Augusta, marking the final resting place of a man whose legacy impacted many lives and left an indelible mark on the history of the region.

The dedication ceremony will not only celebrate Rev. White’s contributions but also serve as a reminder of the importance of education, civil rights, and community advocacy. With the historical marker, Augusta residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to reflect on the strides made by individuals such as Rev. White in the pursuit of justice and equality.

As the community gathers to honor this significant figure in history, the event stands as a testament to the ongoing journey towards understanding and progress, emphasizing Rev. White’s lasting influence on both the city of Augusta and the wider narrative of African American history.

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Additional Resources

• Augusta Chronicle: Marker to Honor Augusta Man
• Wikipedia: Civil Rights
• WJBF: Hometown History – Springfield Baptist Church
• Google Search: William Jefferson White
• WFXG: Former HS Phenom Mikey Williams to Transfer
• Encyclopedia Britannica: William Jefferson White
• CBS19 News: Case Against Augusta Deputy
• Google News: Georgia Republican Party