Book Discussion on Macon’s First Black Councilmembers

The Middle Georgia African American History Committee to Host Author

Award-winning author Harold Michael Harvey

On November 20, 2024, the Middle Georgia Regional African American History Committee will host a book discussion with award-winning author Harold Michael Harvey. The talk will occur at the Middle Georgia Regional Library, 1180 Washington Avenue, Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, at 4:00 pm. in the Genealogy and Historical Room.

Harvey, a 1969 graduate of Lanier Sr. High School in Macon, received a Bronze Medal for his memoir Freaknik Lawyer: A Memoir on the Craft of Resistance. Harvey recently released his seventh book, Fantasy Five: An Unimagable History, The Election of Macon’s First Five Black City Councilmembers, through his publisher, Cascade Publishing House.

Fantasy Five Book Cover

“While researching this book, I was amazed at the number of people who could not rattle off the names of the first five Black city councilmembers,” Harvey said.

“The first five were forgotten fifty years after they did what was impossible in 1823 when Macon received its charter from the State of Georgia, so I knew I had to write of their accomplishment for history’s sake,” Harvey said.

When Harvey lived in Macon, he worked as a journalist for The Macon Courier and co-founded the Unionville Improvement Association. He Coordinated the Unionville Improvement Association’s programs from 1974 to 1980, oversaw the construction of the Frank Johnson Recreation Center, and established the first crime prevention program in the Unionville community.

Harvey earned a bachelor of science degree in political science from Tuskegee Institute in 1974 and a juris doctorate from Atlanta Law School in 1984. In 1996, Harvey served as President of the Gate City Bar Association and received national acclaim for providing pro bono representation to 170 HBCU students arrested during the Freaknik celebration.

“I hope Fantasy Five will honor the contributions of Delores Brooks, Willie Hill, Vernon Colbert, Julius Vinson, and Rev. Eddie Smith,” Harvey said, adding:

“Anyone who has read my work knows I do not whitewash history. Fantasy Five points out the good moments we can celebrate and the bad moments we need to learn from as the community continues to grow,” Harvey said.

The book discussion is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to read ahead and bring questions. Books are available at The Golden Bough, 371 Cotton Avenue, downtown Macon.

Harold Michael Harvey, JD, is the Living Now 2020 Bronze Medal winner for his memoir Freaknik Lawyer: A Memoir on the Craft of Resistance. He is the author of a book on Negro Leagues Baseball, The Duke of 18th & Vine: Bob Kendrick Pitches Negro Leagues Baseball. He writes feature stories for Black College Nines.com. Harvey is a member of the Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, HBCU and PRO Sports Media Association, and the Legends Committee for the National College Baseball Hall of Fame. Harvey is an engaging speaker. Contact Harvey at [email protected].

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Published by Michael

Harold Michael Harvey is a Past President of The Gate City Bar Association and is the recipient of the Association’s R. E. Thomas Civil Rights Award. He is the author of Paper Puzzle and Justice in the Round: Essays on the American Jury System, and a two-time winner of Allvoices’ Political Pundit Prize. His work has appeared in Facing South, The Atlanta Business Journal, The Southern Christian Leadership Conference Magazine, Southern Changes Magazine, Black Colleges Nines, and Medium.