02/16/2026
As we continue celebrating Black History Month, we proudly recognize Ms. Annie M. Harris, a trailblazer whose leadership helped shape Barnesville and all of Lamar County.
Ms. Annie made history as the first Black woman elected to serve on the Barnesville City Council on November 2, 1987. She served until 1993, was re-elected in 2001, and retired in 2008 after many years of dedicated public service. Her election marked a powerful milestone for representation and progress in our community.
She completed all trainings and requirements prescribed by the Board of the Municipal Training Institute and the Regional Economic & Leadership Development multi-session program sponsored by the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.
During her tenure, she presented and supported resolutions that strengthened our city, including:
- Official recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday
- Renaming 10th Street in honor of Mr. Carey “Tiny” Buckner
- Construction of the Civic Center, Police Station, and Fire Station
- Official naming of the “Tot Lot” as Myles-Wimberly Park
Beyond public office, Ms. Annie was a businesswoman, educator, community servant, and career insurance agent. She was also the owner of “Annie’s North Hill Quick Stop” in Griffin, a festival vendor, and a substitute teacher in Lamar and Spalding County Schools.
Her impact reached far beyond City Hall. She was an active member of the Lamar County NAACP, the Lamar Coalition of Women, and the Red Hatters; a founding member of the Skylark Social Club; a member of 100 Black Men and Women; and a founding member of the Barnesville High & Industrial/Booker Schools Alumni Association, Inc.
The City of Barnesville proclaimed October 18th as Annie M. Harris Day, honoring a woman who was a voice, an advocate, and a champion for her constituents and for ALL of Lamar County.