by Clarence W. Thomas, Jr.
MGI Contributor
thomasjr63@gmail.com
With the turning of a few shovels filled with dirt on September 19, Rosa Parks Square entered into a new phase of existence as an important downtown public space.
After years of delays, the green space across from the Macon-Bibb County Government Center is now on its way to becoming a more enhanced passive park complete with picnic tables, a stage, a memorial wall, more trees, and benches.
Rosa Parks Square was originally established in 1978 by the Urban Development Authority as Macon Civic Plaza. Former Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis successfully negotiated with the family of the Civil Rights icon in the mid 2000’s to name the park in her honor. With their permission it became the first monument in the country following her death dedicated to the women that sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
The additions are the result of a financial boost from the county earlier this year bringing the total to $2.5 million – the amount needed to bid the project out. Stafford Builders and Consultants Incorporated of Macon will preside over the renovation.
At the groundbreaking were a range of people consisting of county officials, downtown advocates, business owners, and residents. Featured speakers included Mayor Lester Miller, Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority Executive Director and Friends of Rosa Parks Square Board member Alex Morrison, Walter Stafford, CEO of Stafford Builders and Consultants, and Friends of Rosa Parks Square Board President Andrea Cooke.
From the podium Miller thanked Mayors Robert Reichert and Ellis for their effort while in office to keep the park on track for improvements. Under Reichart it was expanded to twice its original size. Morrison said the occasion speaks to the soul of who we are as a community. Cooke describe the moment as monumental, adding that she was immensely proud to be standing before the attentive crowd. “We’re so happy to be moving forward to keep the legacy alive of all responsible for it,” she said. “I look forward to seeing how it will impact future generations.”
The park currently is the site of memorials for civic and social activist Ozzie Belle McKay and Veterans. It has been the location for numerous peaceful protests and public and private events, and some have said it stands to continue on that path as it becomes a more alluring and educational point of interest.
Stafford said the company his father founded is grateful to be in charge of the project – scheduled for completion in the spring of next year. He said being the developer is a big deal, as he additionally recalled learning about Parks as a youth. “It’s a full circle moment and to be the ones doing this project is an honor,” he stated.
Concerned citizen, entertainer, and educator Johnny Hollingshed said that the park and the improvements fit into the scope of who Rosa Parks was. “This is truly the right thing. This park will immediately become a place for our community to come together,” said Hollingshed.
Macon-Bibb County Traffic Safety Manager Weston Stroud was beaming with pride and hope. As one that has poured himself into reviving historic Greenwood Bottom in recent years, he views the enhancement as an offsetting source against years of injustice towards Black communities. “It’s an acknowledgement of the suffering, progress, and future of the community that can build confidence and an understanding of our shared history,”’ Stroud suggested.
Following a side conversation with Ellis after the groundbreaking former Georgia state Senator and Mayor of Milledgeville Floyd Griffin commented that the redevelopment is important to the entire state. The Georgia House District 149 candidate was a Civil Rights movement participant who relates well to Parks stand on the bus, and the park’s improvement. “This is how you put and keep history in perspective,” said Griffin.
Before departing, Ellis commented about the renovation and why it matters. He too revisited his participation in the local struggle for Black equality and why he sought to put Parks name on the greenspace. “It was fitting that we name something in Macon after her. She saved the soul of the nation. What I went through and witnessed inspired me to pursue putting her name on the park. That history must be told.”
