"Makin’ a Podcast”

Street scene. Macon, Georgia, July 1936.

Source: Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)

Hi, I’m Shaundra a sixth-generation Maconite. Increasingly, I’ve become concerned about the preservation of African American history in our community.  With a background in history, education, cultural heritage, and information, I’m uniquely positioned to use my knowledge, skills, and abilities to educate others about the valuable contributions African Americans have made to Macon’s footprint. I’ve used my abilities over the past 23 years outside of my community; now I want to use them at home. The Makin’ Black History Podcast will be the vehicle through which I will do that.

Makin’ Black History was born at the dress tail of my paternal great-grandmother, who raised me in every sense of the word. Born in rural Hancock County in 1902, she moved to Macon around 1930, following one of her uncles, who had also moved here and settled in Macon’s Pleasant Hill neighborhood. She also lived in Macon briefly as a young girl, attending the Green Street School before returning to live in Hancock, County. She and her husband, along with their three young children, made their home in Macon’s Unionville Community. When ‘urban renewal” came to Unionville in the 1970’s she relocated to East Macon, where I was born.

I spent my formative years with her, during which she shared many memories of family and community history. I went on to earn a bachelor of Arts degree in History from Spelman College, where I concentrated in African American and United States history. After undergrad, I matriculated at Clark-Atlanta University, where I obtained a Master of Science in Library and Information Studies. I also hold a PhD in Educational Leadership from Mercer University. Together with my vocation as an information professional for over 23 years, my education has uniquely equipped me to tell the story of African American Macon.

So, what can you expect from Makin’ Black History? For our initial season, we’re planning a series of “mini-seasons” focusing on community, faith, education, and change makers. For example, “Makin’ a Way Out of No Way” will highlight those individuals and groups who were not deterred by the limitations of segregation and went on to provide essential services and resources. “Makin’ a Joyful” noise will illuminate the rich African American faith traditions in the Macon community. “Makin’ Plays,” a mini-series on African American Macon’s contributions to sports.

Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for our inaugural episode!