Class of 2026 History Day

Leadership Augusta: History Day – Honoring the Past That Shapes Our Future

Our most recent Leadership Augusta session, History Day, offered an incredible opportunity to reflect on how the stories of our past continue to shape the Augusta we know today. Guided by the insightful Dr. John Hayes (Augusta University) and Corey Rogers (Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History), our class explored the city’s rich heritage. From its early beginnings to the people and places that have influenced its growth, culture, and character.

We began the morning with an engaging overview of Augusta’s history before setting out to experience it firsthand. Our first stop was the Ezekiel Harris House, one of the oldest remaining structures in the city. 

From there, we visited several landmarks that represent important milestones in Augusta’s journey toward progress and unity, including Springfield Baptist Church and Tabernacle Baptist Church. These churches are not only historic places of worship, but also vital centers of leadership, education, and social change throughout Augusta’s history. Standing in those sanctuaries, we were reminded that faith and resilience have long been forces that guide our city forward.

We also explored the Golden Blocks, once a thriving business and cultural district along what is now Laney-Walker Boulevard. From the early 1900s through the mid-20th century, this area was filled with locally owned businesses, professional offices, and gathering spaces that reflected the entrepreneurial spirit and determination of Augusta’s citizens. 

Augusta’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and connection. Each building, street, and neighborhood tells a piece of that story, reminding us that we are all part of a shared legacy. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to carry these lessons forward. To honor the past, embrace the present, and help shape a future that continues to build on the rich foundation of those who came before us.