Lucy Craft Laney – Georgia Black History

Lucy Craft Laney (1854-1933) was an American educator, trailblazer, and hero.

Most known for creating the Haines Institute in Augusta, Georgia.  Born April 13, 1854, Lucy was one of ten children.  Her father purchased his freedom and worked tirelessly to purchase his wife’s freedom.  Twenty years later Lucy Laney was born.  Laney was extremely smart, learning to read at the age of four, when there were still laws preventing blacks from attending school, reading, or obtaining an education.  After attending high school in Macon, Laney was one of the first class at Atlanta University (later Clark Atlanta University).

Later, Miss Lucy opened a school in the basement of Christ Presbyterian Church in Augusta.  The school was renamed the Haines Normal and Industrial Institute after Mrs. Francine E. H. Haines the schools benefactor.

Learn more about Lucy Craft Laney – a pioneer who persevered despite the legal, political, and cultural barriers against her.  https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/education/lucy-craft-laney-1854-1933