Grant established to memorialize Cobb’s Black history

A fund has been established to help bring memory and awareness to the county’s history by placing memorial markers at notable places in Marietta’s historically Black neighborhoods. 

Cobb Landmarks, in partnership with the Marietta History Center, is managing the fund through a committee, Diverse Cobb. The committee is welcoming recommendations from the public for their new grant fund which was initially started by a contribution of $5,000 provided by Jo-Evelyn Morris, a member of the committee, and Cobb Landmarks. 

Describing their general marker plan for historical buildings, Trevor Beemon, executive director of Cobb Landmarks, says different homeowners can apply to get a marker if their property is historic in some way. The committee will select different properties from these submissions that they believe are important to Marietta’s Black history and the property owners will be given the option of selecting memorial signage. Also being offered through the fund is some financial assistance to those who apply who may need it. Cobb Landmarks offers up to 50% aid for those who apply and request it. While the committee has the final decision, anyone can nominate a location for signage that they believe is significant to Cobb’s Black history. 

The first recognition that the partnership selected to receive a marker is the former home of Katie and Charlie Hunter Sr. A well-known figure in the area, Hunter owned multiple restaurants and businesses in Cobb County, several of which were at the corner of Montgomery and Hunt streets. 

A descendant of Hunter who lives in the house and other members of Hunter’s family were joined on July 11, by staff from Cobb Landmarks and the Marietta History Center, to reveal the signage.

Said Beemon on the program, “We’re just kind of anxious to get more recommendations. If there are people in the community who want to nominate a site, they can reach out to us.” If you have a historic location in Marietta to nominate for signage granted by the fund, visit the Cobb County Landmarks and Historical Society website here.