Being the First: African-Americans in Atlanta

Being the First: African-Americans in Atlanta. . , Atlanta High School Graduate: Walter White , Walter White graduated valedictorian as the first African-American graduate in 1884. Deemed by the Atlanta Argus as a "fine scholar for his age," upon graduating. White began work as a secretary for Reverend C.S. Smith in Bloomington., Civil War Veterans , Prior to the Civil War, 2 African-American households lived in Atlanta. By 1880, that number swelled to 12, many of whom were Civil War veterans. Richmond Reid, an enlisted soldier who served in the 53rd Massachusetts Infantry, a sister regiment to the famed 54th Massachusetts Infantry, moved to Atlanta following the end of the war., Publicized Emancipation Proclamation Celebration , The Atlanta Fair featured the first publicized Emancipation Proclamation Celebration in Atlanta. On September 22, 1875, 1200-1300 African-Americans and whites gathered to celebrate together at the "Grand Old Style Barbecue." To learn more about the speakers, special guests, and event, scan the QR code for a brief documentary created by Looking for Lincoln., African-American Methodist Episcopal Church , June 11, 1875 saw the 1st quarterly meeting of Atlanta's 1st African-American Methodist Episcopal Church in a local hall. The dedication of the church building occurred on February 13, 1893, located "…in a prominent position in the city and reflects great credit upon our [African-Americans] who have worked hard and long to bring it to completion.", side quote:, I trust at the close of this war that Slavery will be abolished…it will no more curse our Nation. I believe the hand of God is at work to deliver an enslaved race from its bondage and to punish the oppressors. No one who has not been in the midst of slavery can have any just conception of the wickedness connected with it. … we will come out of the [war] a wiser and better people with a [purer] government - free from the clog that has always impeded our progress., James Ewing, of the Hawes family, June 20, 1863 , Lincoln Heritage Museum