27 Oct Ribbon Cutting for New Golden Blocks Mural
New Golden Blocks Mural Completed on Laney Walker Boulevard
Augusta Unveils New Golden Blocks Mural Honoring African American Military Service
Augusta, GA – The Greater Augusta Arts Council, in partnership with the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, Augusta Housing and Community Development/City of Augusta, Destination Augusta, and building owner Denzel Robinson of Fresh Startz & S.O.A.R. LLC, is proud to announce the ribbon-cutting and community presentation of the latest Golden Blocks Project mural:
“Heroes at Home and Abroad: African Americans in the Military during the Golden Blocks Era, 1898–1945” by local artist Theron Cartwright.
The event will take place at 1134 Laney Walker Blvd on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Conceived by the Lucy Craft Laney Museum and the Committee for the Golden Blocks, this striking new artwork is part of an ongoing series celebrating Augusta’s African American heritage in the historic Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods. The project also received generous support through a product development grant from Destination Augusta. Representatives from the Greater Augusta Arts Council, the City of Augusta, and property owner Denzel Robinson worked closely with the project committee to bring this vision to life.
The mural honors the service and dedication of African Americans in the military with ties to Augusta, GA during the Golden Blocks Era, highlighting their courage, resilience, and the enduring impact of their contributions on Augusta’s history.
The ribbon-cutting and community presentation will feature remarks from local leaders, family members of those commemorated, the artist Theron Cartwright, and invited guests, the Lucy Craft Laney High School JROTC who will provide Color Guard and serve as ushers for the event, offering the community a chance to celebrate this collaborative tribute to Augusta’s rich cultural legacy.
ABOUT THE PARTNERS:
The 4th phase of the Golden Blocks Project is a powerful collaboration celebrating the rich history, culture, and creativity that thrive in Augusta’s historic Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods. Spearheaded by the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, the Greater Augusta Arts Council, Augusta Housing and Community Development, and Destination Augusta, this initiative brings together artists, community partners, and residents to transform public spaces into vibrant reflections of African American heritage and pride.
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and Conference Center, which opened in June 1991, continues to honor the legacy of its namesake — legendary educator, administrator, and social activist Lucy Craft Laney. Through art, history, and preservation, the museum promotes her lifelong mission of empowerment through education and community service.
Since 2019, the museum has been a driving force behind the Golden Blocks Public Art Project, a visionary effort to bring public art to Laney-Walker Boulevard and nearby historic corridors. The project bridges public history and public art, capturing the cultural aesthetic and entrepreneurial spirit of Augusta’s early 20th-century African American community — once known as the city’s “Golden Blocks.”
At the heart of the project is the Greater Augusta Arts Council, the region’s primary arts service organization. Established to enrich the quality of life in Augusta through the arts, the Council works to support artists, promote cultural development, and advocate for public art across the city.
Through the Golden Blocks Project, the Arts Council continues its mission to connect art with community, ensuring that creativity is accessible, inclusive, and reflective of Augusta’s diverse voices. By facilitating artist calls, coordinating public art installations, and engaging local residents, the Council helps transform city spaces into dynamic expressions of identity and pride.
Destination Augusta plays a vital role in amplifying this work by developing and promoting experiences that inspire both residents and visitors. As the destination marketing and management organization for the City of Augusta, Destination Augusta connects projects like Golden Blocks to a broader mission of celebrating place, culture, and people—showcasing the stories that make Augusta unforgettable.
Adding a distinctly local heartbeat, S.O.A.R/Fresh StartZ Shop and Salon embodies the entrepreneurial energy that has always defined the Golden Blocks. This family-owned business serves as a one-stop shop offering custom apparel, barber and salon services, and even golf cart shuttle rides to downtown Augusta. More than a business, S.O.A.R/Fresh StartZ is a space for mentorship, creativity, and community connection — values that align perfectly with the Golden Blocks spirit.
The Golden Blocks Project stands as a living tribute to Augusta’s vibrant past and creative future — a space where history and art come together to inspire generations. By celebrating local stories, empowering artists, and engaging community partners, the project continues to honor the legacy of the Golden Blocks and the visionary leaders who built them.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Delaware-born multidisciplinary artist Theron Cartwright is among the talented creatives contributing to the Golden Blocks Project. With a background in animation, illustration, painting, comics, murals, and design, Cartwright’s work reflects deep themes of culture, heritage, reflection, and imagination.
A graduate of the Delaware College of Art & Design, Cartwright’s art has graced galleries across the CSRA and walls throughout Augusta. His latest contribution — a new mural for the Golden Blocks Project — continues his exploration of identity and storytelling through color and movement. Fans can also read his comic Them Bantu Boys on Webtoon, with a print edition coming soon.