The Power of One: A Celebration of Black History Month and the Unsung Heroes of Thomasville

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The Power of One A Celebration of Black History Month and the Unsung Heroes of Thomasville Article PhotoToday is our second post on Mr. Jack Hadley, one of Thomasville’s “Unsung Heroes” being celebrated in honor of Black History Month. It was during a tour of military duty in Spain in 1968 that Mr. Hadley began his collection of Black History Memorabilia by saving newspaper articles from the European Stars and Stripes Newspaper on the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

While his family was stationed in Germany, Mr. Hadley’s son, Jim Hadley, attended Wiesbaden Military Dependent High School. He came home from school one day and questioned his father about the school’s lack of interest in Black History Week. It was this question that really started Mr. Hadley’s interest in collecting Black American Memorabilia. As a result of Mr. Hadley and his son’s collection, and with the help of other military personnel, the first Black History Exhibit was held at Lindsey Air Station in Wiesbaden, Germany and also at his son’s high school. Jack continued throughout his military career to establish Black History Exhibits at other military bases where he was stationed.

Today, he has obtained over 4669 artifacts including old news clippings, prints, pictures, paintings, posters, books and magazines of Black America Achiever’s historical accomplishments to include Thomasville/Thomas County’s Black Achievers. You can view his fabulous collection at the Jack Hadley Black History Museum located at 214 Alexander St.

Check back on Wednesday to learn how Mr. Hadley’s turned his dream of opening his Black History Museum into reality.


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