Celebrating Notable Women of Color in Coastal Georgia
Coastal Georgia has long been a cradle of resilience, innovation, and community leadership, thanks in no small part to the contributions of women of color. From the Gullah-Geechee communities of Sapelo Island to the urban landscape of Savannah, these women have shaped the region’s cultural, political, and social fabric. This article honors their enduring legacies and ongoing impact.
🏛 Political Trailblazers
Edna Branch Jackson
A pioneering force in Savannah’s political landscape, Edna Jackson made history as the city’s first female African American mayor from 2012 to 2015. Her journey in public service began in the 1970s, and she later represented District 165 in the Georgia House of Representatives. Jackson’s leadership continues to inspire future generations of women in politics.
Carol Bell
Carol Bell has been a steadfast advocate for Savannah’s residents, serving as an alderwoman and becoming the first African American female manager for the City of Savannah in 1976. Her dedication to public service was recognized in 2024 when she was named Woman of the Year by the United Way of the Coastal Empire.
Mamie George Williams
A suffragist and civic leader, Mamie George Williams played a pivotal role in registering over 40,000 Black women to vote in Georgia following the 19th Amendment. Her efforts were commemorated with a historical marker in Savannah, celebrating her contributions to civil rights.
🎓 Educational Leaders
Susie King Taylor
Born into slavery in Liberty County, Susie King Taylor became the first African American woman to teach in a school for former slaves. She also served as the first Black army nurse during the Civil War. Her legacy is honored by the Susie King Taylor Women’s Institute and Ecology Center in Midway.
Cynthia Robinson Alexander
As the interim president of Savannah State University since 2023, Cynthia Robinson Alexander brings a wealth of experience from her tenure in the University System of Georgia. Her leadership emphasizes student success and institutional continuity.
🌿 Cultural and Environmental Stewards
Cornelia Walker Bailey
A descendant of enslaved Africans on Sapelo Island, Cornelia Walker Bailey was a storyteller and historian dedicated to preserving the Gullah-Geechee culture. She co-founded the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society and played a key role in organizing Cultural Days to celebrate and sustain her community’s heritage.
Katie Hall Underwood
Known as Sapelo Island’s midwife, Katie Hall Underwood delivered hundreds of babies, often traveling on foot to reach families. Her dedication to maternal care and community well-being was recognized when a ferry was named in her honor.
🍽 Culinary Innovators
Mashama Bailey
A James Beard Award-winning chef, Mashama Bailey co-founded The Grey in Savannah, a restaurant that reimagines Southern cuisine. Her memoir, “Black, White, and The Grey,” co-authored with her business partner Johno Morisano, explores themes of race and partnership in the culinary world.
Cheryl Day
Co-founder of the beloved Back In The Day Bakery in Savannah, Cheryl Day was an advocate for racial justice and anti-racism initiatives. Through her work with Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice and the Bakers Against Racism movement, she used her platform to support community empowerment.
🌟 Emerging Leaders
Lynetta Smith
As the executive director and co-founder of Combat Boots 2 The Boardroom, Lynetta Smith is committed to empowering women of color to take on leadership roles in nonprofit organizations. Her participation in the United Way’s BIPOC Nonprofit Leadership Symposium has been transformative in shaping her leadership journey.
📚 Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
The women of color in Coastal Georgia have left an indelible mark on the region’s history and continue to inspire future generations. Their stories are a testament to resilience, leadership, and community spirit. As we celebrate their contributions, we are reminded of the ongoing work to uplift and empower women in all spheres of life.
~Siti Girl Coastal Georgia