As this historic month comes to a close, I want to reflect on the importance of Black history in Newton County. Meeting with leaders like Reverend Dr. Avis Williams and hearing stories about Newton made me realize just how deeply Newton County’s legacy is shaped by those who fought for opportunity. This county is shaped by countless educators, activists, business leaders, and organizers who dedicated their lives to service—and whose impact still shapes Newton County today.
Newton County is the home to Georgia’s first Black 4-H club, founded in 1904. The name, which stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, reflects the mission of the program, which is to provide hands-on learning experiences to children to develop their leadership skills. The first event was hosted at Washington Street School, where Black students participated in a corn growing competition.
Washington Street School was built in 1889 to serve Black students. At a time when segregation barred Black people from using white athletic facilities, the school built one of the first gyms available to Black students between Decatur and Augusta. In 1979, former student Mr. Flemmie Pitts, along with Mrs. Louise Adams and others reenvisioned what was formerly Washington Street School and transformed it into Washington Street Community Center. Mr. Pitts served as the president of the center and still visits regularly to support and mentor the children. Mrs. Adams was the inaugural recipient of the Almond J. Turner Legacy Award at the NCS State of the District Event earlier this month.
Perhaps one of the most involved and respected members of the Newton County community is Reverend Dr. Avis Williams. She attended Washington Street Elementary School and grew up in the neighborhood. A graduate of Oxford College of Emory University and Candler School of Theology, Williams has built many lasting connections in this community. The Reverend currently serves on the Board of Newton Tomorrow, as well as the Board of Counselors at Oxford College.
When asked about Newton County’s history in education, Reverend Avis mentioned that even after the schools had de-segregated in the 1970s, many Black students still felt a disconnect from their white counterparts. For example, when she went to school at Oxford College, Black students received a scholarship that was static, while white students she spoke with received percentage-based scholarships. “During my time at Oxford, my full scholarship was a dollar-based award. Think of it this way: If one year the total expenses were $4,000, but the next year, they were $4,300, my “full” scholarship still paid $4000, so I would have $300 in student loans. Some white students who were also on full scholarship told me that their scholarship award was percentage-based which meant they received 100%; if expenses went up, the amount of their total package went up.”
These structural inequities were a daily reality that made the prospect of an education and opportunity even more valuable, and now, Reverend Williams has made it her goal to provide these opportunities for the members of her community. She prioritizes serving others above all, and currently oversees a summer program that brings students to Oxford College for a week to experience life on campus.
This year, in a world where we are inundated with information and disinformation, it seems especially fitting that we take time to recognize Black history, starting locally. These are leaders who fought for an education despite the obstacles placed in their way, and are still fighting to ensure that the opportunities they fought for are accessible to the children in their community. It has been my privilege to meet and engage with the leaders who have shaped Newton County during my time at Oxford.
The Newton Education Foundation remains committed to honoring the legacy of leaders who have tirelessly advocated for educational equity through their mission of providing the resources that our students need. NEF believes that every child has a right to a great education. To learn more about NEF’s work, visit www.newtoneducationfoundation.org.