Throughout the month of February, The Courier Eco Latino will honor Black History Month by spotlighting one local African American leader—past or present—each day. The series will feature trailblazers, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and unsung heroes whose contributions have helped shape the soul, strength, and future of our community.
These are stories that may not always make headlines, but make a difference every day. From classrooms to boardrooms, from pulpits to protest lines, from small businesses to grassroots movements, each honoree reflects resilience, leadership, and service rooted right here at home.
George Washington Ford Jr. (January 14, 1924 – October 29, 2008) didn’t just witness history—he helped make it. Long before “change” became a campaign rallying cry, Ford was quietly reshaping Columbus, Georgia, through unwavering civic leadership, bold firsts, and a deep belief in justice and community.
Born in the segregated South in 1924, Ford began challenging the status quo early. As a freshman at Spencer High School in 1939, he became the youngest member of the local NAACP chapter—a move that foreshadowed his lifelong commitment to civil rights. Decades later, he would serve as the organization’s president from 1971 to 1973, helping bridge racial divides and foster communication between Black and white citizens. He was also instrumental in founding the Urban League in Columbus…