The Floyd L. Griffin, Jr. Black Heritage Plaza

ABOUT

Step back in time to recall the once bustling Black Business District that was home to a collection of Milledgeville’s African-American owned businesses from the turn of the 20th century until well into the 1970s. Milledgeville’s “Strip” was located on McIntosh and Wayne Street, just off the main white shopping area found on Hancock and Wayne Street. The district offered a vibrant array of African-American operated businesses including cafes, restaurants, pool halls, markets, doctor’s offices, barber shops, and other businesses. After the end of legal segregation, many African-American business districts faded away. Today, most of the original “Strip” only exists in the memory of the community; however The Black Heritage Plaza is a reminder of the impact that the former black business district had on Milledgeville’s history. The Plaza includes a permanent monument to commemorate the city’s black history while surrounding tables and chairs are an inviting area to enjoy a meal. The Plaza also hosts a wide variety of concerts, performances and community gatherings.