Proclamation declared in honor of Macon writer, civil rights leader

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon-Bibb proclamation is forever marking January 14 as John Oliver Killens Day.

The organization, Poetic Peace Arts, submitted the proclamation.

The Macon native was a writer and spiritual father of the Black Arts Movement during the 1960’s. His work earned him two Pulitzer-Prize nominations.

“John Oliver Killens used art to influence change on a global level. From his childhood growing up in Macon, to serving in World War II, Killens used his word to make a huge impact – which is what Poetic Peace is all about,” Yolando “Y-O” Latimore, the founder of Poetic Peace Arts, said in a news release.

The organization is celebrating the proclamation on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Tubman Museum. The Tubman Museum will also have Killens’ traveling exhibit on display.