Spalding Collaborative

02/18/2026

Born and educated in Griffin, Georgia, Otis B. Head Sr. dedicated his life to public service, education, and community uplift. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University, he served the State of Georgia for 22 years, retiring from the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs in 1984.
A devoted member of Heck Chapel United Methodist Church, Otis held leadership roles including Chairman of the Administrative Board and Lay Leader, reflecting his deep commitment to faith and fellowship.
His civic contributions were vast and impactful. He served as Commander of V.F.W. Post 8480, chaired the Textile Classic for seven years, and spent 14 years on the Griffin-Spalding Board of Education, where he held the office of Secretary-Treasurer. He supported youth through the American Legion Boys State Committee and served as a Boy Scout leader and coach. Otis also co-chaired Griffin-Spalding Citizens Improving Communities.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication, the City of Griffin proclaimed December 8, 1992, as Otis B. Head Day, honoring his legacy as a devoted citizen, leader, and role model.
Otis B. Head Sr.’s life stands as a beacon of service, integrity, and love for community; a legacy that continues to inspire generations in Griffin and beyond.



InSpalding In Griffin City of Griffin, GA - Government Spalding County Leisure Services Downtown Griffin

02/16/2026

Born in Griffin, Georgia in 1921, Raymond Head Jr. was raised in a family rooted in entrepreneurship and community service. After graduating from Tuskegee Institute with a degree in commercial industries and tailoring, he served his country in World War II as a corporal in the 372nd Infantry Division.
Returning home, Head took over the family tailoring business and became a respected businessman. But his influence extended far beyond commerce. In the 1960s, he emerged as a quiet but powerful force in the Civil Rights Movement, using his relationships across racial lines to foster unity and progress in Griffin.
In 1971, Raymond Head Jr. made history as the first African American elected to the Griffin Board of City Commissioners, representing District 2. He served with distinction for 27 years. In 1977, his peers elected him Mayor of Griffin, making him the first Black person to hold that office.
His leadership helped shape Griffin’s path toward equity and inclusion. In recognition of his contributions, the Georgia Municipal Association inducted him into the Commissioners Hall of Fame, and the city named a park in his honor.
Raymond Head Jr.’s life stands as a testament to perseverance, dignity, and the power of civic engagement to transform communities.



InSpalding In Griffin City of Griffin, GA - Government Spalding County Leisure Services Downtown Griffin

02/15/2026

A trailblazer in law enforcement, ministry, and community service, Chester Reuben Milner devoted his life to breaking barriers and lifting others. He made history in Griffin, Georgia as one of the first two Black police officers and the city’s first Black probation officer. He went on to serve with the Georgia Department of Corrections in roles that included officer, recreation leader, athletic coach, and counselor. Beyond his professional work, he pastored UCF of Griffin for 28 years, served as chaplain at the Georgia Diagnostic Center, and volunteered as chaplain at Spalding County CI. His dedication extended to youth through years of coaching and umpiring with the Griffin-Spalding Recreation Department. He was also a proud member of the Black Unity Group of Griffin (BUGG) and Griffin Men of Action (GMOA).

Chester’s journey began on August 16, 1942, in Zebulon, Georgia, where he was born to Ruben and Anna Milner. He graduated from Fairmont High School in 1960, excelling as a student-athlete in basketball, football, and track, and participating in the Bogarsun School Club and Boys’ Glee Club. He continued his education at Albany State University on a football grant, later earning an associate degree in criminal justice from Tift College.



InSpalding In Griffin City of Griffin, GA - Government Spalding County Leisure Services Downtown Griffin

02/15/2026

With the 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 initiative, the House has proposed legislation that focuses on affordability for families, expanding childcare assistance for low-income families, accessible healthcare for mothers and children, and safety for women and families, including:

✔️ HB 1123 - Expands Pre-K Afterschool Services to help working families

✔️ HB 1118 - Creates Additional Maternal Birth Leave for state employees

✔️ HB 1142 - Domestic Violence Offender Registry

02/15/2026

02/15/2026

02/15/2026

Nominations are now being accepted! Maybe you have a favorite coach that has been volunteering in the community since you were a kid or maybe you know someone that has been lending a helpful hand for the betterment of the community through outreach.

Think of a person you would like to nominate for this award! We are accepting submissions until March 20, 2026.
😍🟡🔵

02/15/2026

02/15/2026

Meet today’s , Eddie! This caring and family-oriented athlete loves to play and watch basketball and football. He also enjoys comedy shows, hip hop music, and playing video games. Learn more about Eddie and adopting in Georgia at dfcs.ga.gov/adopt!

02/15/2026

Wayne B. Kendall and his brother Martin Michael “Mike” Kendall — both Griffin‑born attorneys and Howard University graduates who returned home to practice law after earning their J.D. degrees (Wayne from Georgetown University and Mike from UCLA) — built legal careers serving clients in civil rights, family, personal injury, and general practice matters in Georgia.



InSpalding In Griffin City of Griffin, GA - Government Spalding County Leisure Services Downtown Griffin -spaldingafricanamericanhistoryproject

02/15/2026

Calling men of Griffin-Spalding! Come read to our elementary students for our 6th Annual Real Men Read event! Help us instill a love for reading in our students! Sign up to read at one of our elementary schools at https://forms.gle/J9HqysFG9pMFXrY78.