Albany Tech Celebrates Black History Month with Local Figures

Freedom Singer and historian share stories with students during TEAAMS initiative.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Students at Albany Technical College heard directly from two influential local figures - a founding member of the Freedom Singers and a local historian - who connected Albany's Black history to their own lived experiences during a Black History Month event. The conversation centered on Albany's Black history, including pivotal local events like the Camilla Massacre and the history behind Phoebe Putney Hospital's name.

Why it matters

This program is part of the college's new TEAAMS initiative, aimed at empowering African American students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. By connecting students with firsthand accounts of the local civil rights movement and Black history, the event helps students better understand their community's past and how it shapes their present.

The details

The event featured Rutha Mae Harris, a founding member of the Freedom Singers, and local historian Frank Wilson. Harris shared her personal experiences with the Albany Civil Rights Movement, including the 'sittings, the batons, dog attacks, fire hoses, or being dragged down the street, or up the courthouse steps.' Wilson emphasized the importance of understanding history, stating 'Remember, I said history is kind of like a clock. It tells you where you were, it tells you where you are, it tells you where you are yet to be.'

  • The event took place on February 10, 2026 as part of Albany Technical College's Black History Month programming.

The players

Rutha Mae Harris

A founding member of the Freedom Singers who shared her firsthand account of the Albany Civil Rights Movement.

Frank Wilson

A local historian who discussed pivotal events in Albany's Black history, including the Camilla Massacre and the history behind Phoebe Putney Hospital's name.

Albany Technical College

The college hosting the Black History Month event as part of its new TEAAMS initiative to empower African American students.

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What they’re saying

“Remember, I said history is kind of like a clock. It tells you where you were, it tells you where you are, it tells you where you are yet to be.”

— Frank Wilson, Local Historian (walb.com)

“You don't know about the sittings, the batons, dog attacks, fire hoses, or being dragged down the street, or up the courthouse steps as I was.”

— Rutha Mae Harris, Freedom Singer (walb.com)

“It's just a blessing because they don't know. And I think some of them really want to know. And I try to give them what they want. And it's just a blessing that I'm still here at 85, still singing. It's just a blessing.”

— Rutha Mae Harris, Freedom Singer (walb.com)

What’s next

Albany Technical College plans to continue the TEAAMS sessions to further empower its African American students throughout the year.

The takeaway

By connecting students with firsthand accounts of the local civil rights movement and Black history, Albany Tech's event helps the next generation understand the struggles of the past and how they shape the present, empowering them to create positive change in their community.