Alabama’s first official Black town holds 125th Founder’s Day celebration
Jeh Jeh Pruitt, left, presents an award to former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher. (Wynter Byrd / Alabama News Center)
The town of Hobson City, Alabama, recently celebrated its 125th Founder’s Day.
RELATED: Hobson City has historic distinction as Alabama’s first official Black town
Historically known as Alabama’s first official Black town, Hobson City is located between Oxford and Anniston. The Founder’s Day celebration not only commemorated the town’s founding but celebrated and recognized two Anniston natives, the 16th U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher, and Alabama Rep. Barbara Bigsby Boyd (D-Anniston).
The celebration served as an initial fundraiser for the new Hobson City Municipal Complex, which was previously the Calhoun County Training School. Hobson City Mayor Dr. Alberta McCrory said it is the town’s hope the new facility will serve as a multiuse building that will lift the morale of the community.
RELATED: Calhoun County Training School advanced education in Alabama’s first Black town
Officials noted Hobson City’s place in history while lauding its current and future place in the region.
“For 125 years, the town of Hobson City has been the cornerstone to the heritage of generations of African American families in Alabama,” said Terry Smiley, vice president of Alabama Power’s Eastern Division. “The legacy of individuals with roots in Hobson City have made an impact far beyond the municipal lines. It is a privilege to partner with Mayor McCrory to help celebrate the town’s history as well as honor both Dr. Barbara Boyd and Dr. David Satcher for their significant contributions to our community, state and country.”
Hobson City native and WBRC Fox 6 personality Jeh Jeh Pruitt served as the master of ceremonies.
Incorporated on August 16, 1899, the town of Hobson City was initially a small, all-Black Oxford neighborhood called Mooree Quarter with a high controlling voting power in the community. A Black candidate ran for and won the position of justice of the peace and the then-Oxford mayor, in keeping with a vow, asked the state of Alabama to redraw corporate lines to incorporate Mooree Quarter, which was renamed Hobson City.
