Past Performance · 30+ Years
30+ Years of Past Performance
Three decades of exhibitions, sacred ground, and stories — kept alive by BHEC.
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Exhibition
An exhibition depicting African American life in Waycross, GA 31501. Through artifacts, photographs, and oral history, "From These Roots" honors the everyday lives, faith, labor, and joy of generations who built this community.
Preservation
Red Hill Cemetery is a project established by BHEC to identify, document, and protect the resting places of Black residents of Waycross. The work continues — recovering names, restoring markers, and ensuring that no soul is forgotten.
Explore the scholarly documentation of "Red Hill Cemetery" by the University of North Florida: history.domains.unf.edu/redhillcemetery
Memorialization
Memorialized in honor of Rev. Frank Hazzard, Hazzard Hill stands as another sacred site in BHEC's ongoing work to preserve the burial grounds and stories of African American Waycross.
Past Performance
A record of BHEC's ongoing work to preserve, educate, and celebrate Black heritage in Waycross and beyond.
Memorial erected to honor the Rev. Frank Hazzard, at Hazzard Hill Cemetery.
Secured the Rev. Hazzard's Bible for temporary exhibition at OHC.
Placed portraits of Dr. O. C. Wynn at the Ware County Health Department.
Drafted four new inductees into the Black Heritage Exhibit.
Completed local history study guides for Ware Middle School.
Ware County Board of Education adopted the guide entitled "Exploring the Past: A Survey of Black History in Waycross, Georgia."
Black Heritage brochure updated and reprinted.
Published 1870 Ware County Census of Black Citizens.
Redesigned "From These Roots" into a more meaningful display.
Held successful "Festival of Colors" featuring traditional music, food, and crafts.
Initiated efforts to honor Black veterans of all wars.
Established relations with UNF.
Built out BHEC independent website.
Erected a plaque honoring Dr. Martin Luther King at Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church.
Commissioned 15 artists to paint "Black Historical Churches of Waycross," featured in Waycross Magazine, Spring/Summer 2024, Issue 42 — Publisher: Mr. Dave Galloway.
Historical Significance
1968
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the leader of the Civil Rights Movement, spoke at Waycross's Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church for several days in 1968 — just before his assassination. His voice echoed in this sanctuary, and his presence remains woven into the story of our city.
Native Son
The great African American actor, playwright, and civil rights activist Ossie Davis is a son of Waycross. His contributions to American stage and screen — and to the cause of justice — have been recognized by the City of Waycross and are celebrated by BHEC as part of our living legacy.
2000 Recognition
In 2000, BHEC honored the women and men whose leadership shaped Waycross across every sphere of community life.
I. Education
Mr. Willie R. Character
II. Public Service
III. Local Government
IV. Business
Ms. Ole Smith
V. Religion
Rev. Fer-Rell Malone
Sacred Ground · Living Witness
BHEC honors the historic Black churches of Waycross — sanctuaries of faith, refuge, and resistance that have carried our community for generations.
Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church
Antioch First Baptist Church
Austin Chapel C.M.E. Church
First Born Church of the Living God
Greater St. Paul Baptist Church
St. Peter's Baptist Church
New Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
St. John's Missionary Baptist Church
Big Bethel Free Will Baptist Church
King Solomon United Methodist Church
Shiloh Baptist Church
Macedonia Baptist Church