Dedication of 

Rosa Parks Square

A Civic Plaza imagined for reflection, unity and reconciliation in Macon, Georgia on 4 February 2026.  The date of 4 February was selected because that is the Birthday of Rosa Louise McCauley Parks who lived from 4 February 1913 to 24 October 2005.

The Prelude was performed by Members of the Central High School Orchestra led by Jaris Tobler.

The Mount deSales Chorale performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing!"  The Chorale was Directed by Kelly Dixson.  The background of this song is:

Many people are surprised to learn that "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was first written as a poem. Created by James Weldon Johnson, it was performed for the first time by 500 school children in celebration of President Lincoln's Birthday on February 12, 1900 in Jacksonville, FL. The poem was set to music by Johnson's brother, John Rosamond Johnson, and soon adopted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as its official song. Today “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is one of the most cherished songs of the African American Civil Rights Movement and is often referred to as the Black National Anthem.

Dr. Henry Ficklin led a Prayer which called for Hope and Peace as well as Unity in our Community.

Mayor Lester M. Miller discussed "Doing it Together!"

Alex Morrison's theme for his talk was "Bringing People Together!"

Walter Stafford's talk was about a Unique Space for Making Memories, such as Prom Pictures, Weddings and other events involving the People.  After the presentations I asked one of the Stafford Family Members about the number of people working on this project.  The reply was that on most days it was about 50 workers.

Andrea Cooke talked about this was a "Special Moment, a Special Dedication!"  The additional comment was "Dignity does not need permission!"

Each Member of the "Friends of Rosa Parks Board" were then presented with a brick from the path that ran through the Square prior to this Renovation.

The Mount deSales Chorale performed the song "I Know Where I've Been!"

The entire Dedication was conducted in the Council Chambers because of the rain.  However the Ribbon Cutting was conducted on the Portico of the Government Center which overlooks the Rosa Parks Square