Gala will help fund museum

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History put on its inaugural Heritage Gala last year in hopes that it would become an annual event.

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Zelwin Davis/Spotted

Rev. Otis Moss II spoke at the inaugural Lucy Craft Laney Museum Heritage Gala on February 3, 2007.

"We felt that this would allow us to share such an event with our sponsors, friends and community at large and, at the same time, raise some much-needed funds," said Christine Miller-Betts, the executive director of the museum. "In addition, it would allow us to highlight the museum's efforts in promoting the legacy of Lucy Craft Laney through our art and history programs and our efforts to preserve her home."

The inaugural event proved to be a success, so on Feb. 2 the museum will hold its second Heritage Gala, she said.

"Last year, our speaker was the dynamic Rev. Otis Moss III, formerly the pastor of the historic Tabernacle Baptist Church, and we wanted to ensure that we continued that dynamism," she said. "Therefore, we chose Dr. Lawrence J. Pijeaux Jr."

Dr. Pijeaux is the president and chief executive officer of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which is accredited by the American Association of Museums. He has received numerous awards, including The Smithsonian Institution Award for Leadership.

Becoming accredited by the association is one of the Augusta museum's goals, Ms. Miller-Betts said. Museum officials will discuss their short- and long-term goals during the gala.

Augusta native Jerome Preston Bates, an actor and playwright, will be a special guest for the event. Entertainment will be provided by Lynwood Holmes.

Proceeds will go toward the museum's programming and services, Ms. Miller-Betts said.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.