Gala will help support operations of Laney Museum

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History will have its third annual Heritage Gala on Feb. 7.

"This gala gives us an opportunity to raise money for the museum, and it gives us an opportunity to share information with sponsors, friends and contributors," said Christine Miller-Betts, executive director of the museum.

Funds from this year's gala will go toward the museum's operations and expansion efforts, she said.

The gala will feature retired state Court of Appeals Judge John J. Ruffin Jr. as guest speaker and presentations on the museum's planned expansion. Entertainment will be provided by Lynwood Holmes and Russell Joel Brown.

"(Judge Ruffin is) an outstanding community activist, and he's made a tremendous contribution to our city and the state of Georgia," Mrs. Miller-Betts said. "He has also been a great advocate for the museum."

Judge Ruffin has provided the museum with documentation for its archives and has served as a guest speaker for its programs.

The museum's goal is to have at least 200 in attendance this year, Mrs. Miller-Betts said.

For more information about the gala or the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, visit www.lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.

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