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Commissioners direct preservation of historic county jail cells after Newton 6 testimony
Summary
Following testimony from Representative Tyrone Brooks and preservation experts, the board directed staff to preserve the jail’s cell blocks and pursue formal historic recognition rather than removing the cells for repurposing.
The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted to preserve the historic jail cells in the county’s old jail after testimony from Representative Tyrone Brooks, survivors of the “Newton 6” era and preservation specialists.
Representative Tyrone Brooks, who was detained in the jail in 1970, urged the board to retain the cell blocks as part of the county’s historical record: "If you remove the cell blocks, there is no jail. It's just a building," Brooks said. He asked that the cells remain intact so future generations can understand what took place there.
Dr. Karsheek Alvarado, CEO of Preserve Black Atlanta and Preserve Black America, told the commission that historic integrity depends on retaining the physical characteristics that convey a building’s significance. "A building's historical integrity is a building's ability to convey its historical significance," Dr. Alvarado said. He urged the county to protect the site and consider national historic designation to keep the story intact for educators and visitors.
Background and county plan: County staff said the project initially proposed repurposing parts of the jail to house county programs (the 4‑H and extension offices were mentioned), and that design work and permits had been completed for renovation. The county had previously received guidance from the local historic preservation commission to retain exterior features such as window bars. After the public testimony and expert input, the commission moved to make preservation the priority and explicitly directed that no jail cells be removed in the renovation.
Board action: The motion, made by Commissioner Lindsey and seconded by Commissioner Mason, directed staff to proceed with preservation work and to explore avenues for broader historic recognition, including potential national listing. County staff said they would coordinate a revised scope that protects interior cell blocks while completing necessary upgrades for public access and safety.
Why it matters: Commissioners and community leaders emphasized the site’s role in documenting civil‑rights era events in Newton County. Several speakers noted that maintaining the jail cells preserves a first‑hand, tangible record of local events that are not always captured fully in textbooks.
Next steps: Staff will revise the renovation plan to retain the cells, investigate a process for national historic recognition, and return to the commission with updated design and cost implications.
