The James Wimberly Institute of Black Studies and History, Inc. will host its 2025 Racial Barrier Breakers Celebration on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Anderson Conference Center, 5171 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon, Georgia 31206.
This year’s grand celebration will take place in October—a new direction for the Institute. Founder and President Dr. Henry Ficklin explained the decision:
“We wanted to celebrate at a time when there would be not much competition of other celebrations featuring African American History. February, our original time, was full, and now Juneteenth, when we celebrated last year, is full of community celebrations, and all of that is very good. We enjoy the fact that so many celebrations are in place to honor the culture, history, and legacy of African Americans. We often hear that Black History—which is American History—should be celebrated all year, so we have added an additional month to the celebration.”
This year’s honors include a historic recognition of Senator David Lucas for his fifty years of service in the Georgia General Assembly—a record-setting legacy of leadership and advocacy for Middle Georgia. Also to be honored is Myrna Bell, who courageously fought for equality long before it became popular to champion civil rights. Eleven additional Racial Barrier Breakers will be celebrated: Dr. Thelma Dillard, Attorney Zack Dozier, Judge Quintress Gilbert, Alex Habersham, George Muhammad, Ecleamus Ricks, Diane Hayes Scott, Dr. Walter Searcy, Judge Cheferre Young, Pastor Harold Young and Pastor Troy Young.
The evening will feature Former Georgia Commissioner of Labor Michael Thurmond as the keynote speaker. Thurmond, a noted historian, confirmed his appearance before his gubernatorial announcement. He has authored several books with his latest being James Oglethorpe, a unique and factual account the Father of Georgia’s journey from Slave Trader to Abolitionist. Live music will be performed by the LDM Band (Live Drop Music) to highlight the dinner affair. Tickets are $65.00.
While the U.S. traditionally observes Black History Month in February, the James Wimberly Institute’s October celebration joins a growing international recognition. Since 1987, England has celebrated October as Black History Month, underscoring that African American and African diaspora history should be honored year-round.
Many African American heroes were born or made historic achievements in October, including: Fannie Lou Hamer (born October 6, 1917) – Civil rights leader and co-founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party; Jesse Jackson (born October 8, 1941) – Civil rights activist and presidential candidate; Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (born October 16, 1950) – Scholar, author, and cultural historian; Ntozake Shange (born October 18, 1948) – Playwright and poet best known for “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf.” Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. (promoted October 1940) – Became the first African American general in the U.S. Army: Thurgood Marshall (October 1967) – Sworn in as the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice; and Barack Obama (awarded October 2009) – Received the Nobel Peace Prize during his presidency.
By celebrating in October, the James Wimberly Institute underscores the truth that Black History is American History—and its impact deserves recognition every month of the year.
