BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (WALB) — Rahn D. Fudge may live in San Francisco—but you could say he left his heart in Southwest Georgia.

Fudge was born in Donalsonville and raised in Bainbridge. Though he’s been living in San Francisco for years, he never forgot his hometown region nor the rich Black history, much of it largely hidden, in the region.

“I know firsthand that there is a lot of history, but to walk around or to travel around in that region—particularly the small towns that I’m operating in for the local Black history observances—you wouldn’t know it,” Fudge said.

For that reason, Fudge has dedicated his life to making sure that his hometown region’s Black history is forever remembered.

“We need to hear about the people who made it possible for so many others to walk through doors and to be where they are today,” Fudge said. “And I think we have to do a better job— We have to do a much better job in getting those stories out there. And that is part of my intent: to make sure that that can happen, or at least start the movement in some direction.”

Fudge founded Phoenix Affaire Group, an organization designed to promote observances of Black History Month that recognize the achievements and contributions of African Americans in the area.

For more than 20 years, Fudge has been traveling thousands of miles each year during Black History Month to host observances in Bainbridge and surrounding areas, organized by Phoenix Affaire Group.

This year is no different— only that Fudge is working to make the celebration bigger and better.

The 24th Annual Black History Month Phoenix Affaire “RISE!” Week will bring observances to Bainbridge, Donalsonville, Colquitt, Attapulgus, Climax and Whigham throughout the week of Feb. 23 through March 1.

Fudge said the final details and schedules are still being determined for the week of Feb. 23 through March 1. As soon as they are, Fudge said they will be posted on the Phoenix Affair RISE Facebook page.

Among the events planned include Hosea Williams Day in Attapulgus where the Civil Rights icon was born. Williams rose to prominence as a close confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement.

The Phoenix Affaire Group also plans to have a “Travelin’ Wreath-Laying Ceremony,” to honor all African American war veterans for their military service.

Also on the agenda will be the annual fashion-theatre and supper club show.

The week will conclude with the annual “Gospel in the Park Sunday.”

Fudge said he’s honored to carry on the traditions celebrating Black History Month established by the Phoenix Affaire Group.

But Fudge said he hopes that local leaders take notice of his efforts and put a greater focus on Black History Month observances in Southwest Georgia.

Fudge added that his group could also make an even bigger impact if it were able to secure donations from people in the community interested in helping advance Black History Month initiatives.

If you are interested in making a monetary donation, you may do so through the Phoenix Affaire’s GoFundMe page.

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