COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - February is Black History Month and to celebrate, WTVM is highlighting Black history in our area throughout the month.
The Black Heritage Trail located in the heart of Columbus, Georgia, a trail of African American history that took place right here in Columbus, a trail of remembering the struggles of discrimination, segregation, and enslavement black Americans endured. As we celebrate black history month, it is vital that we remember and honor the importance of black history in our community.
30 landmarks and buildings each with a special story that dates all the way back to the 1800′s. The Ma Rainey House and Blues Museum is one of the landmarks in Columbus that you cannot miss when touring the black heritage trail. Ma Rainey or as some may call her “The Mother of Blues” was an African American blues singer from Columbus and what used to be her home is now a museum for visitors to tour.
Gertrude Pridget or “Ma Rainey” was born on April 26, 1886, the second of 5 children.
Ma Rainey began her career in 1900 when she performed at the Springer Opera House in Columbus as a teenager.
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“Honestly at the time you know the ‘TOBA’ did you know have a bad reputation for overworking and underpaying their black artists,” said Jones.iney,” said Tour Guide, Jazlyn Jones.
Ma Rainey and the band played to audiences at tent shows and eventually landed into the Theaters Owners Booking Association, an association of theater owners who booked Black vaudeville performers.
“Honestly at the time you know the ‘TOBA’ did you know have a bad reputation for overworking and underpaying their black artists,”said Jones.
Rainey performed with popular artists like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Thomas Dorsey during her career. She passed away in December of 1939 but her legacy still continues.
We are surrounded by Black history in our community so take time this month to appreciate and learn about influential African Americans that paved the way.
For more information on the black heritage trail, click here.
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