Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1536125
42 maconmagazine.com | June/July 2025 W h a t O t h e r s a r e S a y i n g If you're doing a brand-new festival for the residents of Unionville and others in support of your effort, it makes sense to have Cheryl J. Knight and Phillis Habersham Malone in your corner. Both provided glowing responses when asked about Duval's plan to bring an arts and music festival to their personal and professional backyards. Knight is the daughter and only child of the late great Unionville community- minded man Frank J. Johnson. He, along with her mother Dorothy, a retired Bibb County school teacher in her early nineties and other Unionville residents, made Unionville really matter through the formulation of the Unionville Improvement Association – a grassroots community improvement organization. During the 1970's UIA was the conduit to get sidewalks, streetlamps, paved roads, and Unionville Recreation Center. Johnson would go on to be known affectionately as "The Mayor of Unionville" a name bestowed on him by community members because of his hard work on their behalf. A twinkle in her eye and wide smile came quickly during a discussion with Knight on Duval and her arts and music festival. Knight says F.U.B.U. mirrors her dad's concern for Unionville and his little-known creative capacity. "This is an awesome project for Unionville. Anything for this neighborhood is something that my father is looking down on and that he's happy about," said Knight. "F.U.B.U. aligns with what my father was about: uniting and empowering people." She added that it helps that Duval was raised in Unionville, and that she chose an art and music platform. "We need this in Unionville," she said after revealing that her father had nimble hands capable of repairing almost anything, and that she is a designer who once created earrings for the Cherry Blossom Festival "I'm elated about F.U.B.U. I was so happy when she contacted me about it. We should support and celebrate it." Phillis Habersham Malone owns Habersham Records, an iconic Unionville business focused on providing recorded music and serving as an outlet for concert promoters and goers. She sees the economic potential of Duval's initiative as a means of growing Unionville. Since purchasing the record shop from her brother Alex in 1986 following his establishment of the business in 1971, Malone has stayed put and become a staple in the diets of those looking to support a long-term neighborhood business. During a moment of reflection, she recalled a flourishing, clean, pride-filled community, with yards decorated with flowers and more Black-owned businesses dotting the landscape. Unionville has lost some of its luster for varying reasons, admits Malone, but is still a viable place to live, work, and play, she said while naming other nearby businesses that are still booming. For her, F.U.B.U. represents a return to Unionville's roots. "It will enhance our appreciation for our culture and various art forms. She's showing that charity does start at home and then spreads abroad," said Malone. "This festival will help Macon and add value to this community in a positive way." Clarence W. Thomas, Jr. is also the director for the Frank Johnson Recreation Center. M a k i n g a D r e a m R e a l i t y What next? Duval says the remainder of this year is dedicated to finalizing what the festival will be, to include bimonthly planning sessions and creating a team that will oversee it. She's also looking for sponsorships and is applying for grants. What can we expect when the gates open? Duval says it will be a free all-day event complete with food trucks, accessible to all populations, including her beloved special needs community. F.U.B.U. will be a multi- generational affair, filled with talented artists and must-see-and-hear musicians. The goal early next year is to start promotions. Meanwhile, she welcomes support in all forms and looks forward to being on the ground to ensure its success. Duval's not making false promises about the festival but believes it could be transformative. "It's a sustainable festival. Once it happens, it will keep happening." ABOVE Clarence W. Thomas Jr., kneeling center, poses with community members and elected officials at Frank Johnson Recreation Center in Unionville.