The first black woman to win elected office in Athens will be honored in a Saturday lecture at the First AME Church in Athens: Miriam Moore will be remembered by Michael Thurmond in activities that get underway at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
From the Athens Area Black History Committee…
Miriam Moore believed in getting things done and making life better for herself and others in the community. She was a pillar in the Athens community and the matriarch of a family that extended beyond her own bloodline. She became the first African-American woman in Athens to hold an elected position when elected in 1988 to City Council. In 1990, she became the first African-American female commissioner of the newly unified city-county government. Her entrance into the political arena was motivated by strong belief in single family zoning and planning for development.
Landys Miriam Moore was born to Cullen and Susie Mae Thomas Owens on April 29, 1926 in Athens, Georgia. She lived her whole life on the same land. She attended school in Athens and was a dedicated member of Springfield Baptist Church. She was an expert seamstress, upholsterer and restorer of antique furniture. She married Hertie Moore.
Miriam Moore was known for her strong advocacy for low-income and low-wage individuals and families. She fought to increase affordable, quality housing and to reduce poverty and violence. Though she lost her commission seat in 1992, Moore was appointed to a committee to revitalize the then crime-ridden neighborhood around Triangle Plaza in East Athens. Her work eventually led to a healthy commercial district. She was also instrumental in transforming the area formerly known as the Iron Triangle into Triangle Plaza, the formation of the East Athens Development Corp. and the Athens Neighborhood Health Center, the construction of the East Athens Community Park and improving the East Athens Community Center. She also was the driving force behind the naming of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway.
Rather than just complain, she worked to create change. The Miriam Moore Community Service Center was named in her honor on October 3, 1999. Today, the center houses, job search support, housing counseling, after-school homework assistance, and health services. Currently, EADC is planing a re-dedication ceremony for the center, which will include the unveiling of Mrs. Moore's portrait.
Miriam Moore gave her time, effort, energy and spirit to making Athens-Clarke County a better place to live for all its citizens. She opened many doors that had once been closed and left a political legacy that will never be forgotten. Within her own family and throughout the community, she provided an example of strength, courage, love, dedication and faith that has inspired many generations.