One Square Mile

One Square Mile. Uncovering College Park's African American History. In the 1890s, the original African American community in College Park, Georgia was situated within one square mile west of Main Street, to the left of where you are standing now. This once-thriving community was a place of great possibilities and achievements. The blocks were filled with homes, places to worship, businesses, schools, and entertainment. Community pride was strong. By the 1980s and 1990s, years of urban renewal programs and airport abatement efforts uprooted the community and razed this village within the city., As new development comes to this area of College Park today, the City is partnering with community historians from Preserving the Heritage of the Original African Americans of College Park (PHOAA) and Georgia State University to shine light on the people and places that have contributed to the legacy of College Park., Planned Historical Markers , 1 Jefferson Fran Beavers Elementary School , 2 Eva L. Thomas High School , 3 Bussey's Grocery Store , 4 Banks Funeral Home , 5 Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church , 6 G&W Cab Companies (2 locations) , 7 Dr. Otis Mcree's Office , 8 Laster Chapel United Methodist Church , 9 Friendship Baptist Church , 10 Shiloh Baptist Church , 11 Sophie Mae Avery Elementary School, Many establishments moved locations during their history. City growth and urban renewal efforts charged the street map. This is a representation of the map today., (Photo captions) , Banks Funeral Home . Bussey's Grocery Store . Sophie Mae Avery Elementary School . Laster Chapel United Methodist Church . Friendship Baptist Church