Tubman Museum Celebrates Mama Louise
The Tubman Museum is excited about co-sponsoring – with Springer Mountain Farms, Moonhanger Group, The Big House Foundation, and Gallery West – a celebration that honors Louise Hudson, more affectionately known by locals as “Mama Louise,” a legend associated with music in Macon. This free, red-carpet event is scheduled to take place just before Mama Louise’s evening birthday celebration on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. It will culminate with the honoree receiving the Tubman Museum’s lifetime achievement medal, the “Harriet Tubman Act of Courage Award,” for her years of service to the community.
Originally from Ohio, Mama Louise moved to Macon with her baby daughter, Lucy, in 1952. After a few years of working in local eateries, Mama Louise and her cousin, Inez Hill, opened The H&H Restaurant in an old gas station, where brave white and black people dined together at the height of the civil rights movement. To accommodate the need for more space because of its growing popularity, The H&H would later move across the street from its present location.
Mama Louise has fed a multitude of people in her little café on Cotton Avenue over the years, including Southern rockers Bonnie Bramlett, Dr. John, Chuck Leavell, Charlie Daniels, Jimmy Hall, Wet Willie, Marshall Tucker, Grinderswitch, and Allman Brothers Band. All of them and many other patrons were and are regulars at the establishment. She continues to be a beacon who provides good home cooking for the community.
Mama Louise will accept her lifetime achievement award during the red carpet gathering in the Tubman Museum’s Peyton Anderson Rotunda. The program will consist of an opening prayer by Pastor Eddie D. Smith, Sr. of Macedonia Baptist Church; serenade by singer and songwriter, Caroline Aiken & Friends; special tribute by poet and songwriter, Kodac Harrison; history of The H&H by Moonhanger Group; and, comments by Mayor Robert Reichert. A meet-and-greet reception, with hospitality and light refreshments provided by the Moonhanger Group, current owners of The H&H, will follow the program.
Join us at the Tubman Museum on Wednesday, July 26, at 4:30 p.m. for this very special celebration.
About the Tubman Museum
The Tubman Museum – the largest museum of its type in the nation – is dedicated to educating all people about the art, history and culture of African Americans. Founded in 1981 and named for Harriet Tubman, the “Black Moses” who led hundreds of slaves to freedom, the Museum fulfills its mission through diverse permanent and changing exhibitions, innovative educational programming, cutting edge technology, print and digital publications, festivals, lectures, concerts, and a host of special events throughout the year. Find out more about the Tubman Museum of African American Art, History and Culture at www.tubmanmuseum.com.
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Melanie Byas
Director of Marketing & Digital Strategies
Tubman Museum
310 Cherry Street
Macon, Georgia 31201