TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) — The Georgia Historical Society unveiled the first historical marker dedicated to African American history in Tift County, celebrating Frank T. Nixon and Solomon Nixon Sr. for their impact on the community and the Civil Rights Movement.

The Frank and Solomon Nixon Funeral Home in Tifton celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025, making it the oldest operating Black-owned business in Tift County.

>> WATCH MORE ON DIALOGUE: Georgia Historical Society awarding marker to Nixon Funeral Home <<

“The Nixon Funeral Home is having a historical marker erected on its property because there were two very influential men who helped, found and then later carried on this funeral home, particularly all the way through the Civil Rights Movement, and really making sure that the quality of life was being improved here for the community,” said Breanna James, project manager for the Georgia Historical Society. “And beyond that, also participating and helping encourage folks to participate in the Civil Rights Movement.”

According to the Georgia Historical Society, Frank T. Nixon built businesses that helped provide services and opportunities for Black residents at a time when segregation limited access to many resources. His son, Solomon Nixon Sr., carried on that legacy by supporting civil rights efforts, encouraging voter registration and helping expand educational opportunities across the region.

Solomon Nixon Jr. said he is proud his family will be remembered in history.

“It’s a huge, I mean, accomplishment, huge, monumental achievement of hard work, dedication, effort, sacrifice,” Nixon Jr. said. “That’s what it entails to just be recognized for all of your unselfish work. So it’s truly an honor just to be here today and just to be recognized by the Georgia Historical Society.”

Nixon Jr. said his father would be proud of how the family has continued his legacy.

“He’s probably smiling. I think he’d be very proud of us,” Nixon Jr. said. “But I’ll coin something my son said, ‘I think we’ve done well by the ancestors.’ So I think they all would be very proud of what has happened today.”

Along with being the first historical marker dedicated to African Americans in Tift County, the funeral home will also officially become part of the Georgia Civil Rights Trail.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook, Instagram and X. For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app and add WALB as a preferred source on Google.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.