The life and legacy of longtime Miami activist Georgia Jones-Ayers will soon be documented in a new commemorative publication that organizers hope will preserve her impact for future generations.
Currently in development under the working title GEORGIA ON OUR MIND: Appreciating a Matriarch of Activism in Miami, the book is expected to be released in mid-October. The project will combine personal reflections, archival photographs, organizational history, interviews, and multimedia elements that allow readers to experience Jones-Ayers’ work through both words and images.
Jones-Ayers is widely recognized for her advocacy on behalf of people impacted by incarceration, addiction, poverty, and other barriers to opportunity. Her leadership helped establish and expand The Alternative Programs, Inc., an organization that has provided alternatives to incarceration, rehabilitation services, and support programs for adults and youth throughout Miami-Dade County.
To help tell that story, organizers are asking the community to contribute memories and materials connected to Jones-Ayers’ life and work. Former program participants, family members, board members, judges, attorneys, advocates, educators, journalists, clergy, civic leaders, and community members are all encouraged to participate.
In addition to interviews, the project is collecting photographs, video tributes, event footage, newspaper clippings, programs, letters, awards, and other archival materials. Those who do not wish to be interviewed can still contribute by submitting photos or recorded memories through the project’s online upload form.
“This is a community record,” said E. Claudette Freeman of Pecan Tree Publishing and Literary Services. “We are asking people to help us gather the memories while they can still be gathered, identify the photos while people still know the names, and preserve the work in a form that can be passed on.”
Written submissions, interview requests, photographs, and archival materials will be accepted through Friday, July 10. Community members interested in sharing their stories can schedule an interview or submit materials online. Additional information is available by calling 786-763-1208 or emailing GeorgiaTAP2026@gmail.com.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter and watch our weekly LIVE podcast news show every Thursday at 5:30pm. Subscribe to our YouTube page to get alerts for the show.
Do you have news to share? If so, send Hy-Lo News your story ideas by clicking HERE.
0 comments on “Community Invited to Share Stories for New Georgia Jones-Ayers Commemorative Book”