About

The James Wimberly Institute of Black Studies and History, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation founded in February 1998 based in Macon, GA. This Institute honors the life of James Wimberly, a noted historian, educator, activist and leader, who passed in 1988 leaving a great void in the teaching, recognition and research of Black History and Culture in the Middle Georgia community.

Mr. Wimberly is remembered for his great love of people and his tireless quest to expand the knowledge of Black History and Culture in the schools and community. One example of his efforts was his campaign to ensure the restoration of the Douglass Theatre. He wanted the people of Middle Georgia to remember their heritage and have it preserved at the Douglass Theatre, where many famous Blacks started their careers. The Institute is a posthumous honor and perpetual reminder of the work Mr. Wimberly did to support and encourage the understanding of African American heritage and culture.

The James Wimberly Institute was started as a posthumous honor to the life of James Wimberly in 1998. The first program was held at Southeast High School and the classes assembled at the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. His name was not mentioned when the Douglass Theatre was re-opened, but we feel that all should know that the completion of the work there is the vision that he shared with the community many years before it was finally realized in 1997. Mr. Wimberly passed in 1988.

The James Wimberly Institute of Black Studies and History, Inc. emphasizes the City of Macon and surrounding areas by increasing the knowledge of local minority heritage through seminars, classes, research, field trips and selected other experiences. The Institute seeks to promote self-esteem through the enlistment of positive role models from the past and present. The Institute further endeavors to enlighten the general populous by providing a community educational resource center for the future study of Black history and culture.

The mission of the James Wimberly Institute of Black Studies and History, Inc. is to commemorate, preserve, perpetuate and interpret the African-American/Minority Groups experience particularly in the State of Georgia.