As we commemorate the 200th Birthday of Perry, we proudly present our Black History Month Banners, a captivating journey that honors the legacy of prominent African American-owned businesses that have shaped our town. Step back in time with us as we explore Perry's rich tapestry, reaching as far back as the early 1900s. Our carefully curated collection showcases the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship of African American-owned establishments in Perry. These banners serve as a testament to the enduring spirit that has fueled the growth and prosperity of our community. Each banner tells a unique story, weaving together threads of history, culture, and progress. From the pioneers who laid the foundation to the trailblazers who continue to make a lasting impact today, these businesses are an integral part of Perry's narrative. Join us in celebrating the diversity and innovation that has flourished throughout the years. The Black History Banners not only commemorate the past but also pay homage to the present and inspire the future and as we honor these remarkable establishments, let us come together to preserve the past and pave the way for a bright future. Explore the stories, appreciate the journey, and join us in commemorating the Black History of Perry.
Click on the photo to read more about the Oldfield District.
Honoring The Past. Inspiring the Future.
Join us as the City of Perry celebrates Black History Month by recognizing distinguished African Americans who have made an impact in their hometown of Perry, Georgia. The mission of the City of Perry's Black History Month celebration is to connect all citizens with knowledge and reflection on the varied accomplishments of our African American community. It is our vision to create an atmosphere where heritage is shared, celebrated and preserved through stories, facts and impactful contributions that African Americans have had on the overall development to the City of Perry.
If I were to write all of the reasons that I am grateful for all the participants in the Black History memoratorium on a little piece of paper, they would fill the entire room. On behalf of the City of Perry, I am blessed and grateful for your help and support for this historical event. I doubt I would have been able to complete a project of this magnitude without you doing your part. Your willingness and cooperation is a big part of why this project was so successful. I am looking forward to everyone getting an opportunity to see the completed work. I am honored to be a part of building such a phenomenal foundation for the history of Perry.
In my experience, it is the community and citizens that make our city a beautiful place to live. Each and every person that contributed to the Perry African American history project deserves credit. Everyone worked together to get the project completed and I want to thank you collectively and individually. I am sincerely honored to be a part of such a momentous event for your community. Let's continue to partner to build a fantastic foundation for our beautiful city.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Bynum-Grace, City of Perry Councilwoman
Attitudes Unlimited | M & W Bottle Shop
635 General Courtney Hodges Boulevard
M & W Bottle Shop opened in 1972. Attitudes Unlimited was established in 1988.
Bernice's Beauty Shop
1410 Houston Lake Road
Bernice’s Beauty Shop was established in 1960.
Bobby Glover Mortuary
1006 Creekwood Drive
Bobby Glover Mortuary was established in 1971 on Creekwood Drive and it is still open today.
Bynum Grocery
643 Howard Street
Clarington Beauty Shop
907 Haliburton Street
Clarington Beauty Shop has served the community for more than 25 years.
Collins Shoe Shop
Ebony Motor Court
Ebony Motor Court was established in 1955 on Courtney Hodges Boulevard. The building no longer exists.
Faith Bible Fellowship
517 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Faith Bible Fellowship was established in 1996 and is currently still in the same location.
Fudge Family Grocery
715 Ash Street
Greater Union Baptist Church
525 Gray Road
Greater Union Baptist Church was established in 1905 and was the first church built on Marion Street. A new building was built on the same site and stood there until 2019. Greater Union Baptist Church relocated to 525 Gray Road and is still open today.
Growing In Unity Church
W.F. Ragin Drive
Jada's Beauty Shop
Established in 1997, Jada’s Beauty Shop is located on W.F Ragin Drive, formerly known as Spring Street.
LQ's Desktop Publishing
736 Carroll Street #2
LQ’s Desktop Publishing was established in 1999 in Historic Downtown Perry and is in the same location today.
Lumpkin Shell
1438 Swift Street
Lumpkin Shell opened in 1976 and closed in 2019. It’s first storefront was located at 1101 Spring Street, now known as W.F. Ragin Drive.
Masonic Lodge #593
1116 W.F. Ragin Drive
Prince Hall – 1920
Today – Adam Lodge 734 and Eve Chapter 735
It is still open.
Milton Filling Station
1101 Spring Street
Currently named W.F. Ragin Drive Building.
New Hope Baptist Church
1300 Washington Street
New Hope Baptist Church was founded in 1861. It’s first location was on Spring Street, which was renamed to W.F Ragin Drive. The church then moved to its current location on Washington Street.
New Wine Worship Center
1110 Gaines Drive
Old Field Baptist Church
1501 Houton Lake Road
Old Field Baptist Church was established in 1945 and is still open today.
Pierce Funeral Home
1515 Houston Lake Road
Pierce Funeral Home was established in the 1940s, but it no longer exists.
Randy's Repair
927 Bess Street
Established in 2016, Randy’s Repair is owned by Randy McCoy.
Richardson Funeral Home
1447 Swift Street
Richardson Funeral Home was established in 1971 and is still open today.
Saint James CME Church
1007 W.F. Ragin Drive
Saint James CME Church was established in 1954 on Spring Street, now known as W.F. Ragin Drive, and is still open today.
Tilford Vineyard
126 Berry Patch Lane
Tilford Winery is one of the first African American-owned wineries in the state of Georgia and is the only muscadine winery within the Southeastern region of North America to make dry, sweet, and semi-sweet organic wines. Their knowledgeable staff guide guests through the tasting experience, sharing the story behind each wine and offering insights into the winemaking process.
Tilford Vineyard was established in 2001. The vineyard was the recipient of Fort Valley State University’s 2015 Family Of The Year Award. It is still open today.
Toomer Brothers Funeral Home
Established in 1915, Toomer Brothers Funeral Home is Perry’s oldest mortuary. The building still exists but is no longer in business.
W.F. Ragin Dry Cleaning
735 Commerce Street
This business would mark the 15th African American to own and operate a dry cleaning business in Perry from 1924 to 1968 on Commerce Street. It is now located in this building – The Palace Boutique.
Your Choice Salon
612 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive