Augusta Georgia Experience Guide - 2020 - 13

Welcome
MEET AN AUGUSTAN
Jessye Norman on
display at the Augusta
Museum of History.

"One of the first things
that comes to mind when
I think of Jessye Norman
was her international
appeal. I think our thriving
arts community is a living
testament to the legacy
of Ms. Norman: John
S. Davidson Fine Arts
Magnet School, the Jessye
Norman School of the
Arts, the Augusta Mini
Theatre, and C.T. Walker
Traditional Magnet School

THE SOUND OF GRACE
Jessye Norman spread kindness through music.
By Jessie Rumbley

ugusta's unique African American heritage
resonates throughout the region's culture
and economy. Individuals who called
Augusta home and institutions that sprang up on
our soil, such as Springfield Baptist Church, first
organized by free blacks in colonial times, left a
profound and lasting impact not just on this city
and state but on America's soul.
One of those iconic individuals is Grammy
Award-winning soprano Jessye Norman, the
celebrated Metropolitan Opera star. Whether it
was for her soaring voice or her humanitarian spirit,
those who knew Jessye loved her. Born in Augusta
in 1945, she first shared her talent from the stage at
Mount Calvary Baptist Church and soon went on to
command the world's stages. Even when fame

found her, here in Augusta Jessye quietly used
the arts, her generosity, and her passion to make a
positive impact.
Jessye died in 2019, and the community proudly
celebrates her life in music and legacy of giving.
You'll feel it when you stroll down Jessye Norman
Boulevard , also known as 8th Street, where you'll find
the intimate Le Chat Noir theatre among other locally
owned businesses. Keep going and you'll arrive at the
Augusta Riverwalk , two levels of brick walking paths
that lead you to the Jessye Norman Amphitheater.
The amphitheater features an amazing view of the
Savannah River and hosts festivals and concerts
throughout the year. Listen closely, and you might just
hear Jessye's sweet soprano mixed in with the sounds
of the Southern breeze and river current.

are all great institutions
that continue the legacy
Ms. Norman left us.
Ms. Norman is a great
example of the African
American heritage
here in Augusta. Her
brother, Dr. Silas
Norman, led Paine College
during the Civil Rights
Movement in the
1960s. Our community
has a lot to be proud of."
- Corey Rogers,
museum historian,
The Lucy Craft Laney
Museum of Black History

Jessye Norman
Amphitheater on
the Riverwalk

EXPERIENCE THIS

Perhaps the best expression of Jessye Norman's spirit can be found at the Jessye Norman School of the Arts.
The tuition-free after-school arts education program develops and nurtures the creative talents of traditionally
underserved youth. Now in its tenth year, the School of the Arts offers middle-school students opportunities
to explore dance, drama, music, art, and creative writing, among many other joyful pursuits. See the fruits of
their labor at the Ann and Ellis Johnson Gallery of Art, where the school showcases student work.

A decorated traffic signal
control cabinet featuring
Jessye Norman. Learn more
about Art the Box
on page 16.

Visit Augusta.com

http://www.VisitAugusta.com

Augusta Georgia Experience Guide - 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Augusta Georgia Experience Guide - 2020