Good morning, Macon.

Civil rights leader Rev.

Jesse Jackson died Tuesday at 84, and local leaders in Macon honored his legacy by urging continued unity and progress; his influential 1988 presidential run gave many hope (a moment recalled by community officials).

The Macon Melody welcomed community reporter Alaysia Ezzard, who started Monday and brings investigative expertise with strong local roots.

Ezzard, a Georgia State and University of Maryland alumna, will cover health, public safety, and justice issues across Macon—strengthening local news coverage.

Lamar Arts is set to open the Art in Fashion exhibition at the Historic Train Depot in Barnesville, featuring works by Monique Nicole Pitts Taylor and local talent.

The gallery opens on March 6 (6–8 p.m. for the opening) and runs through April 26 free to the public.

Today marks Ash Wednesday as local churches begin Lent with services where worshippers receive ashes and observe a day of fasting and prayer.

Many congregations will host fish fry events to foster community reflection and renewal.

Reconstruction-era court records revealed that Amanda America Dickson became one of the wealthiest Black women because of a landmark Black History trial, and two families remain connected today through her legacy.

The Georgia Department of Public Health released food service inspection scores for Middle Georgia, noting several Bibb County sites in Macon received perfect marks from Feb.

9 to Feb. 13 — the report card grades range from unsatisfactory to perfect.

Atrium Health Navicent is sharing heart health resources during American Heart Month; cardiothoracic surgeon Anthony Holden says identifying symptoms early can lead to better treatment and improved quality of life (symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and back pain).

The North Central Health District installed two harm reduction vending machines at the Macon-Bibb County and Houston County Health Departments to offer free Naxolene, testing strips, hygiene kits, and condoms for opioid prevention.

Officials said two more machines and 24-hour naloxone access boxes will be added soon to boost community safety.

Peach County baseball coach Joey Hiller reached 700 career wins on Valentine's Day — he celebrated the milestone with his team and had previously marked 500 wins in softball in August.

The Peach County baseball team beat Jordan in a recent game that gave Coach Joey Hiller his 701st win (a coaching milestone).

The win boosts the team's season and marks a key moment for local baseball.

After Friday’s final games, Macon public schools finalized GHSA tournament schedules that seed Southwest boys and Westside girls as No.1—earning byes into later rounds.

Games begin Monday at Dodge County and continue at Washington, Morgan, and other counties as score updates come in later this week.

Northway Women's Conference 2026

6-9 p.m. — 5915 Zebulon Rd — $50 — Engage in worship, teaching, and community at this empowering women’s event themed around John 15.

Little Mr. and Miss Cherry Blossom Pageant 2026

10 a.m. — The Douglass Theatre — Kids under 10 free — Celebrate local youth and witness the crowning of young ambassadors for the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Ashes Concert with Stone Spiral

9-11 p.m. — Grant's Lounge — Cost info unavailable — Experience the melodic tunes of Ashes with Stone Spiral live in Macon.

Heirs Property & Estate Planning Workshop

10 AM – 12:30 PM — Buck Melton Community Center — Free entry — Discover options to protect family property and plan for the future.

Birmingham Bulls at Macon Mayhem

7-9 p.m. — Macon Coliseum — $5 parking — Cheer on the Birmingham Bulls as they face the Mayhem in an exciting hockey showdown.

Couples Line Dance Class

6:00-6:45 p.m. — South Bibb Recreation Complex — Registration covers 2 people — Learn fun line dances together regardless of your experience level.

Sweet Georgia Jamz Music Festival

2-7 p.m. — Brad Henderson Memorial Stadium — $10 Adults, $5 Kids — Enjoy a lively music festival featuring local and national artists along with family activities and health screenings.

Cherry Blossom Festival Ball

7-11 p.m. — Macon City Auditorium — Black-tie optional — Experience a night of elegance with dining, décor, and entertainment themed 'Cirque de Sakura'.