top of page
Search

The Black Community in Roswell During Segregation

Mar 4, 2021
2 min read

Jim Crow laws in the South were state and local laws that mandated “separate but equal” status for African Americans after the Civil War until 1965. Initially, the laws required the separation of whites and African Americans on all forms of public transportation and in schools. Eventually, the segregation expanded to include interaction and commingling in schools, cemeteries, parks, theaters, and restaurants. These laws did not deter the Black residents in Roswell from developing separate organizations and clubs that served the betterment of their community and gave them a sense of pride during this time.

Groveway Community Group was a neighborhood organization established in 1943 and was responsible for helping and promoting the Black community in Roswell. It held social functions, helped to get Blacks out to vote, and worked with city officials to promote racial harmony. It was incorporated in 1961.


A Place of Their Own


Black residents needed a meeting place of their own. After a new school for Black students was constructed in Alpharetta, their former school building on Grove Way was purchased back from Fulton County and was donated to the Black community as part of the Boys Club of Atlanta from 1951 to 1960. This building was the heart of their community and served as the meeting place for all their organizations. The building eventually became the home of the Groveway Community Group.



Organizations


Members of the Roswell chapter of the Masons and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lodge 7673, meet in the community building.


Youth Groups


Alex Nuckles Sr. organized the first Black Boy Scouts troop in Roswell, troop #206. Their meetings and dances for the Teenage Canteen Youth Group were held in the community building.

Doc's Place







Doc's Place was the only African American restaurant in Roswell. It was located at the corner of Pleasant Hill Street and Oxbo Road.

It was owned by Samuel "Doc" Stafford and his wife Hattie.








Black Churches


Pleasant Hill Baptist Church was established in 1855 by the enslaved. It also included burial land for their deceased. The original church was located near the corner of Holcomb Bridge Road and Alpharetta Highway. Zion Baptist Church was organized in 1871 with members from the original Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Its congregation build a church on Zion Circle. Around 1900, the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church congregation would move to closer in town to Roswell, eventually building their current church on Pleasant Hill Street. Both congregations are still very active today in the community.



Health Care for Blacks During Segregation








Blacks were allowed to receive health services at the Roswell Health Center, but they had to come on separate days from whites residents.









North Fulton Herald











 
 
 

155 Comments


Poor Bunny game
Poor Bunny game
7 days ago

The historical context provided on the Black community during segregation in Roswell is invaluable. It raises important questions about how local histories shape contemporary racial dynamics, Poor Bunny and encourages us to reflect on our collective responsibility for fostering inclusivity today.

Like

Sometimes the number of options on a gaming platform is less important than how those options are organised. While looking at ok win game, I found the structure easier to understand when the different areas were kept separate. Nitin prefers platforms where basic information can be reached without opening several unrelated menus. This is especially noticeable during mobile browsing, where too much information on one screen can feel overwhelming. A sensible layout gives users a clearer path through the platform and makes ordinary browsing less tiring.

Like

This is an important topic that helps preserve the history and experiences of the Black community during segregation in Roswell. Learning about local history gives us a better understanding of the people, challenges, and contributions that shaped the community. I also appreciate how cultural traditions and meaningful objects can help keep heritage connected across generations. A Brass Diya is one example of a traditional Indian piece that carries cultural significance and adds warmth to a home.

Like

Una página con los numeros ganadores bien organizados puede ser útil después de cada sorteo. Mostrar la información de forma sencilla permite revisar los resultados y compararlos fácilmente.

Like

A valuable piece of local history that highlights the strength, resilience, and community spirit of Roswell’s Black residents during segregation. Preserving cultural history is important across communities, and traditional craftsmanship, such as a Lord Krishna Idol, can also help carry cultural traditions forward.

Like
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Thanks for submitting!

  • TripAdvisor
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

© 2025 Roswell Historical Society

​

​

PO Box 1636 Roswell, Georgia 30077

Telephone:  (770) 992-1665
(678) 525-2184

​​

bottom of page