TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A Tallahassee educator and civic leader who helped shape the capital city\u2019s Black community is being remembered on his birthday.<\/p>\n
The John G. Riley Center and Museum opened its doors Thursday for a special birthday celebration honoring Riley and Tallahassee\u2019s African-American history.<\/p>\n
The John G. Riley Center is featuring its third out of a four-part series on African-Americans in Tallahassee<\/a>. Visitors will see exhibits on the African-American experience during the World Wars, post-war life and Riley\u2019s impact on the community. <\/p>\n Riley was dedicated to the community here in Tallahassee, recognizing the importance of education and history. For 30 years, the museum has been a free experience for anyone to come learn about his legacy and the African-American history of Tallahassee.<\/p>\n Among those visiting today was a group of Florida State University first-year students, who said the experience introduced them to parts of local history they didn\u2019t know about.<\/p>\n More Tallahassee news:<\/p>\n Kendy Brown, an FSU service scholar, said that the exhibits were really informative. <\/p>\n \u201cIt showcases so many historical moments regarding African-Americans historically, just World War I, the things of that nature,\u201d Brown said. \u201cBritish and the United States, women pioneers. I learned so much about history that I honestly should have been aware of, but if I wouldn\u2019t have gone here, I wouldn\u2019t have known it, and now I do.\u201d<\/p>\n For these students, it was their first time visiting the museum, and they walked away knowing a little more about the community around them and the people who helped shape it.<\/p>\n Along the way, they even got to meet Riley in the form of an animatronic that greets visitors during the tour.<\/p>\n And the museum isn\u2019t done telling that story just yet.<\/p>\n The fourth and final part of the series is expected to open in early 2027, focusing on the Civil Rights Movement and its impact in Tallahassee. <\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n