February 25, 2019
GDC Facilities Celebrate Black History Month
Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward
Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath
Offenders and Staff Honor Influential Americans
FORSYTH, Ga. — In honor of Black History Month, many facilities within the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) held programs honoring influential African Americans throughout history. The annual celebration of Black History Month focuses on the achievements of African Americans and their positive role in the history of the United States.
“Black History Month is an important time of year that allows us to reflect on the achievements and resilience of those who came before us,” said Timothy C. Ward, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. “Both staff and offenders participate in programs within our facilities as a way to inspire and encourage positive behavior.”
Many facilities held ceremonies throughout the month of February honoring various aspects of African American history. Offenders at Dooly State Prison (SP) focused on African American musical artists, while staff members spoke about the contributions of significant American figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. At Lee SP and Emanuel Women’s Facility, programs centered around the contributions of Black women who worked to advance freedom and equality. The facilities presented a skit about Harriet Tubman’s use of the Underground Railroad and featured poems by Maya Angelou and other prominent African American women.
Originally, Black History Month was a week-long celebration that coincided with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the event was expanded to the entire month of February to honor African American history.
About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.
