Today we’d like to introduce you to Mamie Hillman.
Hi Mamie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began when I was a child in a segregated elementary school in Siloam, Georgia. I always wanted to know how do I get to understand where I fit into the history of my community. So I guess I’ve always been on a search mission. And as I got older I began to understand and collect information regarding the contribution of African Americans in my community. I am interested in disseminating the historical narrative of those who came before me because I think it is relevant today. We often say we are standing on their shoulders, but we have no idea what their experiences were. So, I began to document what I found and wanted to share it with others that did not know, as I did not know at one time. So that began the birth of the Greene County African American Museum. In 1995, we acquired the historic home of Dr. Baber, the second African American physician in Greene County, and began restoring it to become an African American museum where we honor and celebrate those people who came before us. So here we are – opening in March following Covid guidelines.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The struggle along the way has been the lack of financial support from the community. My challenge has been to find the balance of individuals who see what I see and will step up to support the museum. So we do what we can do ourselves and keep it moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I was reared at a time and am true to that. I actively engage in the betterment of others. There is no segregation in heaven, so we must prepare for that. I am a people person who creates a community where each of us has a purpose that is intertwined in the betterment of all of us. I am most proud of those that poured into me and those that saw something in me as child that was greater than what I saw.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I do not live in Atlanta!
Contact Info:
- Email: mamie@gcaam.org
- Website: www.gcaam.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gcaam.inc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMYEonR8Afiqe6FFwb0HJSw
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