South Georgia native leads 24th Annual Black History ‘RISE!’ Week

Rahn D. Fudge has been travelling from San Francisco to his hometown region in South Georgia for more than 20 years in February to ensure Black history is remembered.

“We need to hear about the people who made it possible for so many others to walk through doors and to be where they are today,” Fudge told WALB. “And I think we have to do a better job— We have to do a much better job in getting those stories out there. And that is part of my intent: to make sure that that can happen, or at least start the movement in some direction.”

Fudge founded Phoenix Affaire Group to promote Black History Month and organize observances in the Bainbridge area to highlight the achievements of African Americans of the area, according to WALB.

The 24th Annual Black History Month Phoenix Affaire “RISE!” Week will host events through the week of Feb. 22 to March 1. Observances will be held in Bainbridge, Donalsonville, Colquitt, Attapulgus, Climax and Whigham.

Events will include Hosea Williams Day to honor the Civil Rights icon as well as a wreath-laying ceremony to honor African American war veterans. “Gospel in the Park Sunday” will conclude the week.

“I know firsthand that there is a lot of history, but to walk around or to travel around in that region—particularly the small towns that I’m operating in for the local Black history observances—you wouldn’t know it,” Fudge said.