Crisp County Honors Black History with Student Program

Historical Awards Committee highlights prominent African Americans from Cordele

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Historical Awards Committee of Crisp County, Georgia recently held a Black History Month program for local sixth-graders. The program featured prominent African Americans from the city of Cordele, including former city commissioner Rev. Isaac Owens, the first African American elected to the city commission, and Vesta Beal-Shepard, the first African American woman elected to the commission. The program also highlighted the accomplishments of singer Joe Williams, who was born in Cordele and later played Cliff Huxtable's father-in-law on The Cosby Show.

Why it matters

The program aimed to educate local students about the rich history and accomplishments of African Americans in the Cordele community. By highlighting these figures, the Historical Awards Committee hopes to inspire the next generation to pursue their own goals and dreams, regardless of their background.

The details

The Historical Awards Committee worked to track down information on accomplished African Americans from Cordele, using sources like yearbooks, newspapers, and the expertise of local historian Willie Parker. The program featured biographies and details on the lives and achievements of the honorees. Committee members like Greg Rivers and Jessie Felton believe the program will help students understand that they can accomplish great things if they work hard, even if they come from a small town like Cordele.

  • The Black History Month program was held on February 13, 2026.

The players

Rev. Isaac Owens

The first African American City Commissioner in Ward 3 of Cordele.

Vesta Beal-Shepard

The first African American elected to the Cordele City Commission in 2016.

Joe Williams

A singer born in Cordele in 1918 who later played Cliff Huxtable's father-in-law on The Cosby Show.

Greg Rivers

The club secretary who worked to track down the names of accomplished African Americans from Cordele.

Willie Parker

A late local historian who helped with the research for the program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These same folk walked the same streets they walk. Some of them went to the same schools.”

— Greg Rivers, Club Secretary (cordeledispatch.com)

“If you focus and you have goals, and you set goals and you work diligently toward them, you can accomplish those goals.”

— Johnny Dean, Chaplain, Historical Awards Committee (cordeledispatch.com)

The takeaway

This program highlights the importance of educating students about the rich history and accomplishments of African Americans in their local community. By showcasing these role models, the Historical Awards Committee aims to inspire the next generation of Cordele residents to pursue their own dreams and make a positive impact on their city.