Hobson City, AL – Hobson City, Alabama’s oldest Black-founded and Black-governed municipality, is advancing its efforts to preserve its rich history, thanks to a $25,000 grant from Alabama Power. In an exclusive interview conducted by Calhoun Journal Managing Editor Shasta Jones, Mayor Alberta McCrory shared the city’s plans to enhance its museum and the broader vision for revitalizing the former Calhoun County Training School building.
The museum, housed in the historic school building, serves as a testament to Hobson City’s history, chronicling the lives of its residents and their triumphs over systemic adversity. “We want to share the stories of everyday people,” Mayor McCrory told Jones, emphasizing the town’s foundation as a sanctuary for Black citizens post-slavery. “This is about those who built churches, schools, and homes despite the challenges of racism and Jim Crow.”
Artifacts, documents, and personal accounts are being curated to tell these powerful stories. The grant will fund display cabinets and other essential items to better present these historical treasures. Mayor McCrory reflected on the town’s legacy, noting how the school once served as an educational hub for Black children from across the county, including some of her own classmates.
“These are the stories of children who rose before dawn to catch a bus, traveled hours to school, and returned home late in the evening—all for the sake of an education,” McCrory shared. “We want to preserve their sacrifices and triumphs for future generations.”
The museum also highlights the contributions of Hobson City residents to the U.S. military. Mayor McCrory recalled a local family with three brothers serving simultaneously and a trio of young Black women from the town who enlisted together. “These stories reflect the courage and service of our community members,” she said.
In addition to the museum, the historic building will be repurposed to support Hobson City’s future. “We plan to use the space for various activities that can generate income for the city,” McCrory revealed to Jones. The revitalization aims to transform the building into a multifaceted community asset.
The museum remains the heart of this endeavor, serving as a beacon for education and inspiration. Volunteers are crucial to this mission, working diligently to preserve the city’s legacy. Partnerships with institutions like the University of North Carolina and the Anniston Museum of Natural History are aiding the effort through training and archiving expertise.
Mayor McCrory invited Calhoun Journal Managing Editor Shasta Jones to visit the museum to explore its collection and discuss the broader plans for the school building’s transformation. “It’s important to share not just where we’ve been, but where we’re going,” McCrory said.
For Mayor McCrory, the work is deeply personal. “Preserving Hobson City’s history ensures that the resilience and achievements of those who came before us are never forgotten,” she concluded.
