Preservation

A monument was constructed in 2009 and the walk was added in 2024 to honor the memory of Atkinson County Training School.

2009:

The monument site was contributed by Elder Paul Thomas. Contributors include ACTS alumni and friends. The visionary was Irma Goens Colson Moore.

Monuments and memorials can reflect values, important stories, and power. They also serve as reminders that history is not just in books, but all around us. Because monuments are reflections of our history, it is extremely important to provide this type of evidence to help future societies understand and respect people who lived in a different era.

We would like to acknowledge and salute the late Mrs. Irma Colson Moore for birthing the idea of erecting a monument that would pay homage to Atkinson County Training School’s Faculty, students and Staff.

2024:

In the beginning of 2023, a group of individuals, led by Dr. Homer Day, began meeting to plan how the alumni could complete and improve the design and construction of the monument, which began years ago. With the help of you all - alumni and descendants of our beloved A.C.T.S., we were able to complete the Monument Project. This was intended to be an enhancement of the design of Phase 1. The newly active monument engraving committee worked to continue the efforts of the original participants. It started with designing an addition to the monument that will be dedicated to the memory of those that attended Atkinson County Training School (A.C.T.S.). The goal was to leave our footprint to declare to the world that: “We were here”!

Alumni and loved ones were reached via email, letters, social media and phone calls to inform others of this project and give them the opportunity to purchase an engraved brick for someone or to donate to the cause. With these efforts, the committee was able to raise enough money to complete the project of adding a walkway including engraved bricks to honor those associated with ACTS.

A Monument Dedication & Walk Celebration was held on July 27th, 2024. The project was unveiled to alumni and their loved ones as they gathered in Atkinson County, Georgia for a reunion. More details can be see on the Reunions page.

This monument stands as a testament to the rich history and enduring legacy of the first and only educational institution for African-Americans in Atkinson County. This is just the beginning of our efforts to ensure our history is not only remembered but also appreciated for its true significance.

• Ottis Johnson – Chairman
• Larry Perkins – Assistant Chairman
• Shirley F. Cooper – Secretary
• Sarah J. Keyton – Assistant Secretary
• Rev. Betty D. Williams – Treasurer
• Vernon Taylor – Communication Director
• Homer Day – Project Manager
• Caroline Day – Meeting Host
• Rev. Paul Thomas
• Edgar Rakestraw

To all of our committee members, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work we’ve done with the Atkinson County Training School Monument. Our dedication and passion shone through in every detail of this past weekend. The historical significance of the Atkinson County Training School, as the first and only educational institution for African-Americans in our county, cannot be overstated. By commemorating and honoring the individuals who attended this school, we’ve created a lasting tribute that will inspire generations to come. Our commitment to preserving our past and shaping our future is truly commendable. As the monument stands tall, it serves as a beacon of unity, resilience, and hope. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” and your collective efforts exemplify this sentiment. Thank you for turning our excitement and enthusiasm into a tangible reality. Our hard work has made a lasting impact, and I am grateful to be part of a community that values its history and celebrates its achievements. --- Shirely Frazier Cooper

Below are images and details of the progress of building the monument walk.

August 2023:

September 2023:

March 2024:

May 2024:

April 2024:

On April 27th, 2024, following a heartfelt family reunion in Pearson, Georgia, I was honored with the opportunity to visit the hallowed grounds of the Atkinson County Training School (ACTS). Standing before the evolving monument, I witnessed firsthand the tireless efforts of the monument team, who are crafting a symbol destined to carry forward the profound legacy of our past for generations to come. In that sacred moment, I felt a rush of reverence, recognizing the immense significance of belonging to a community that has woven itself into the fabric of our nation's history. They say certain places exude an aura of sanctity and healing, and on that heartrending day, as I stood before the promising ACTS monument, I was enveloped by a intense sense of humility, pride, and belonging. My heart swells with gratitude towards all who have supported this endeavor, both now and in the future, ensuring that our heritage remains immortalized in the pages of time. Your steadfast commitment ensures that the enduring impact of ACTS on our lives, our town, our county, our state, and our nation will be honored and cherished for all eternity. Your support and contributions are vital in seeing this vision through to its completion, ensuring it stands as a beacon of our collective resilience and unity. May this monument serve as a testament to the strength and spirit of a community bound together in safeguarding its legacy, serving as a tender reminder of the importance of preserving our history. In a world where history is more vital than ever, let us join hands to ensure it is never forgotten. Heartline: Those that are bonded not only by blood but also by the Heart; Love cures all evil: GOD IS LOVE! --- Vernon Taylor

June 2024:

Committees

In 2022 many alumni came together to preserve the memory of Atkinson County Training School. They started communicating online and via letters to form several committees including:

• Communication & Publicity
• Fundraising & Finance
• Bookkeeping & Banking
• Design & Construction

These committees meet virtually on a regular basis to discuss the various preservation efforts. They work to accomplish many tasks, including but not limited to: constructing the walk around the monument, gathering historical information about the school, contacting alumni, gathering support for the preversation efforts, setting up the P.O. box for the school, forming the Facebook group and constructing this website.

Get In Touch

The best way to get in touch with alumni from ACTS is to join the Facebook group. There you can communicate with fellow alumni, view and share pictures, stories, and updates. It is a great method to quickly be able to reach and find others.

The group was created in January 2023 and gained over 100 members in 2 months. As of September 2024, there are 230 members!

To join the group, click the button below. You will need to have a Facebook account in order to join the group. If you do not currently have an account then you can sign up for free and request to join the group. Your request will be pending until you are approved by an admin and added to the group. This is to prevent strangers from joining the group so that it can be maintained as a group for only those affiliated with A.C.T.S.

• Facebook group