Carver Heights: Echoes of Generations Past

Forgotten tales lie beneath the surface of Columbus’s riverfront, waiting to be rediscovered. 

Beyond the serene waters and bustling parks is a history rich with hidden truths and unsung heroes—stories that shaped the very streets we walk and the schools our children attend. This deep dive peels back layers of time to reveal the generosity, resilience, and vision of individuals whose names have faded but whose impact endures. 

What if the history you thought you knew was only the beginning? 

Join us as we uncover the overlooked narratives that built the heart of Columbus, Georgia, and see the riverfront through a lens you’ve never imagined.

We began our Premiere Episode at the Vietnam Memorial (aka "Lonnie Jackson Memorial Park"), at the corner of Buena Vista Rd and Lawyers Lane--hosted by Mr. Johnnie Warner, a Columbus historian from the State of Ohio.

Our second "FOUNTAIN CITY NEWS Walk & Talk" series on October 30 took us to Carver Heights, Columbus, GA, where we walked and talked to several prominent native Columbusites who grew up in the area.

Rev. Mark Lawrence, Ms Glenda "Gigi" Crawford, and her husband and photojournalist, Mr Ed Crawford, joined FCN for a trip around Carver Heights where they grew up, and another native Columbusite, Ms Stacey Adams, also joined in with us with her own recorded video memory of her father, Mr Julius Adams, owner of 'Adams Barber Shop'.

Here is the LINK to the FCN Video Series on YouTube: 

In this Second Series, you might hear a lot of things you didn't know about the Black history of Columbus, and some things might surprise you, even if you grew up here.

We were surprised to discover that there were actually THREE Black high schools in Columbus. Many of us were raised to believe there were only two, Spencer and Carver.

But there was also a Black high school before Carver, called RADCLIFF HIGH, which was later turned into an elementary school, but didn't last long, according to the locals who lived here.

It might also surprise some to know that back during the time of the "Chitlin' Circuit," a well-known Black-owned hotel in Carver Heights was the rest stop for some of the most famous talented entertainers the world has ever known...our hosts and guests discuss this in the Series 2 Video.

The Chitlin Circuit was a network of performance venues across the United States, particularly in the South, that showcased African-American musicians, comedians, and dancers and singers and bands during the era of segregation. Created out of necessity, it provided essential employment and performance opportunities for Black artists when they were excluded from mainstream venues. The circuit, which ran roughly from the 1930s to the 1960s, included both smaller clubs and larger, famous theaters like the Apollo Theater in Harlem and the Regal Theater in Chicago.

Rev. Lawrence begins his portion of the series discussing his mother's cafe, the hair salon belonging to Ms Irene and Ms Roberta, all part of Crowder Enterprises, then he talks about Mr. Adams barbership and what a stanchion he was and Mr. Adams' daughter, Stacey wraps up the session with her own video memories of the mark that her father made on the people in Carver Heights.

Walk with us while Gigi tells us about the story she heard behind the reason for what was known as "Dead Man's Cave," and why the neighborhood was warned never to go up that hill into the woods.

We have Series Three coming up soon...guess where we're going next?

God bless, we'll see you next week!

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