PRESS RELEASE
CANTON, GA – History Cherokee invites residents and visitors to journey through Cherokee County’s Black history with a new driving tour. The tour highlights 19 sites in Canton and Woodstock and seeks to shed light on the often overlooked contributions of the Black community in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of Cherokee County. The selected sites span decades and showcase the resilience, creativity, and perseverance of communities and individuals who have left an indelible mark on Cherokee County.
The tour was developed by History Cherokee’s Black History Committee. Through projects such as the Black History Driving Tour, this group of volunteers helps History Cherokee be more diverse and representative in their storytelling. The Black History Driving Tour aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and celebrating Black history in our local community. By uncovering the stories of the past, we can foster a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and promote inclusivity. The tour encourages participants to reflect on the challenges faced by the Black community, celebrate their triumphs, and recognize the ongoing contributions of Black individuals to Cherokee County.
“We believe that by acknowledging and celebrating the diverse history of Cherokee County, we can cultivate a sense of unity and understanding among our residents,” said Harvee White, education and programs manager at History Cherokee. “These 19 locations provide a glimpse into Cherokee County’s Black history, and it is our responsibility to ensure that these stories are preserved for future generations.”
While some sites may be on private property, no longer standing, or not conducive to walking tours, the driving aspect of this experience allows for a safe and accessible exploration of the Black history of Cherokee County. Participants are encouraged to respect private property and exercise caution at sites that may pose safety concerns.
The driving tour is currently available online at https://georgia-humanities.opentour.site/cherokee-county-black-history. A print version of the tour will be available later in February at the Cherokee County History Center and other select locations in Cherokee County.
On February 20 at 7 p.m., the public is invited to History Cherokee’s Hear, Here lecture featuring members of the Black History Committee who were instrumental in developing this tour. They will discuss the process, reflect on the importance of the tour, and answer questions about the project. This event is free. Registration is requested. Please register online at https://historycherokee.org/black-history-driving-tours.
This project is supported by Georgia Humanities, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, through funding from the Georgia General Assembly. The digital tour was created using Open Tour Building, a free software platform created by the Emory Center for Digital Scholarship.
ABOUT HISTORY CHEROKEE
History Cherokee operates the Cherokee County History Center and the Historic Rock Bark. History Cherokee’s mission is the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Cherokee County history.
