Board honors black residents
The County Commission for the first time recognizes local residents for Black History Month.
The Floyd County Commission typically adopts a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month. On Tuesday the board also honored six African-American residents for their service over the years.
“We wanted to do something special,” County Commission Chair Rhonda Wallace said. “We thought this would be a good way to recognize some of our citizens, and to let more of our community know how people here contribute.”
Honorees also received a small canvas of the Historic Floyd County Courthouse, painted for the occasion by local artist Kayla Millican.
Evon Billups retired as the county’s elections supervisor in 2015 after putting in 31 years with the department.
She was the first black female department head. Billups remains active in the community at Lovejoy Baptist Church.
Rosha Booker is the founder of The Playhouse Inc., an arts tutorial center for at-risk local youth, and “Make A Difference Day.”
She’s been a strong anti-drug voice for the community and state and was recognized in 1996 by USA Weekend magazine as a leader working for a better America.
Shirley Denmon is the author of “The Enchanted Land Eighth Hill: A history of events in Rome, Georgia, the City of Seven Hills, depicting the lives of Americans of African Descent on the Unnamed Eighth Hill.”
She’s also served on numerous community boards.
J.L. Vaughn Jr. was a major figure in the local civil rights movement, helping to integrate The Partridge restaurant in Rome and register black voters. He was the first black principal in the integrated Floyd County school system and the first black president of the Floyd County Democratic Party.
Larry Morrow Sr. was a founder of the 100 Black Men of Rome/ Northwest Georgia and First Rome Bank (now Regions).
The local business owner was a sports official for the NCAA and Georgia High School Association and, in 2001, as a replacement official for the National Football League.
Willie Mae Samuel-Sams was a teacher for 33 years.
An inspirational writer, she used
creative stage performances to bring history to life and educate local youth on their heritage and value to the community.
The County Commission called for nominations from the public and chose the top six from among the submissions. County Clerk Erin Elrod said original plans were to honor five but it was too hard to narrow down.
“They are all so very deserving,” Wallace said.