Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1488524
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2023 | maconmagazine.com 69 What is the significance of Macon's Bicentennial? Mayor Lester Miller: It's our 200th year as a city, but we're celebrating our thousands of years as a community. We're celebrating looking on our past, talking honestly about struggles we've faced, celebrating our growth together as we've grown stronger, and looking forward to a brighter future using the lessons we've learned along the way. We are looking back on what made us who we are today and dedicating ourselves to always become better as people and as a community. Tracie Revis, director of advocacy, cultural preservation, and conservation of the Ocmulgee River: I think knowing the history of the land that you call home is important. As a newcomer to this area, with roots that go farther back than Macon, I want to know what happened on this land after my people left. I want to know that it was cared for and it was honored. Most people do not know the true stories of how this land was even lost. In fact, the illegal treaty that was signed that gave up this land was voided and the land that makes up the Ocmulgee "old fields" was still Creek land until 1826. Besides my history, I love learning the other great things that came from here. This area has produced many music celebrities, and I love that they come from this land that was once my ancestral homeland's Capital City. Andrea Cooke, The Southern Center for Choice Theory, LLC/CQUL development director/executive director: It is a celebration of what makes Macon its very best! We are inviting all stretches of the community to join in and help us to celebrate the growth that our city has seen over the past 200 years. Justice Verda Colvin: Macon's Bicentennial is a monumental achievement. It clearly illustrates the tenacity and commitment of Maconites. This celebration is an acknowledgement of the contributions of every citizen present and past and their contribution to who we are as a community. Elijah Hanson, Miller Middle School Mr. GQ: The significance of Macon's Bicentennial is to celebrate Macon's achievements and how much the city has evolved since it was founded 200 years ago. Why celebrate the Bicentennial with a sneaker ball? Mayor Lester Miller: By making it a sneaker ball, we're making sure it's formal, fun, and accessible for our entire community. We want people to see this is more than just a formal event for tuxedos and evening gowns … it's for fancy sneakers. And really, this being our first one, I want to set a fun and comfortable tone for future years, and I know I would much rather dance wearing sneakers! Andrea Cooke: Why not!? A sneaker ball gives us all an opportunity to dress up and very comfortably strut our stuff! This event is designed to be one that celebrates the current successes of our city as well as the amazing opportunities we have in our future! Macon has never had a Mayor's Ball, so why not introduce an annual sneaker ball that encourages us all to be together? Justice Verda Colvin: A sneaker ball encompasses the idea of togetherness, inclusion, and a respect for community. A sneaker ball is inviting to everyone in our community. We want our community to ditch the uncomfortable gear normally associated with formal events and enjoy the night with community. That's what this yearlong Bicentennial celebration is all about. Elijah Hanson: I think a sneaker ball is a good fit to Macon's culture. It's fun, different, and makes the whole community want to get involved. Considering Bicentennial plans, what are you most excited about? Mayor Lester Miller: I know we have a year of big events planned – and each is going to be great – but I'm really looking forward to the end when we have our first