Honoring Dougherty County's First Black Superintendent

A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion

Dr. John Culbreath was more than just a name in the history of education; he was a beacon of hope, a trailblazer, and a cherished member of the Albany community. His passing has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew him and those who were inspired by his work.

Dr. Culbreath made history in 1995 when he became the first Black superintendent of schools in Dougherty County. This achievement was not just a personal milestone but a significant step forward for the entire community. Those who knew him remember him as a man of God, a visionary, and a leader who believed in the power of education to transform lives.

Theodus Drake, Dr. Culbreath’s pastor at Second Mount Zion, shared how deeply the news of his passing affected him. “When I got the news that he had passed, it really had an impact on me, a big one,” he said. He emphasized that Dr. Culbreath was someone who truly made a difference in many people's lives, embodying the values of faith and dedication.

Aunquarius Brown-Reed, a mentee of Dr. Culbreath, echoed these sentiments. “He has truly made a difference in a lot of people’s lives. This was a man of God, truly, he embodied God.” For Brown-Reed, Dr. Culbreath was more than just a mentor—he was a guiding force that changed the trajectory of his life.

Dr. Culbreath’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. As a leader in education, he worked tirelessly to build schools, improve academic standards, and bring technology into classrooms. His daughter, Cynthia Culbreath, recalls that he balanced his professional responsibilities with being a devoted father. “My father was a role model. I believe that all heroes should start at home, and he was that. My father raised us to believe that nothing was impossible to achieve if we were willing to work hard.”

Beyond his work in education, Dr. Culbreath served on the Phoebe Putney Hospital Board for 14 years and was actively involved in the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. He also played a key role in launching “Strive2Thrive,” a program aimed at helping families break free from poverty. His commitment to community development was evident in every aspect of his life.

Cynthia shared how her father’s story defied the odds. “Despite your circumstances, everything would have said that my father would be a statistic. Raised in a single-parent home, that he was not going to be successful. But when you have the support of your family and community, you believe in yourself and most importantly, you’re willing to work hard, there’s limitless possibilities to what you can do. My father is just one example of that in real life.”

Dr. Culbreath’s impact was not limited to the educational and economic spheres. He also used his gifts to serve his church, where he helped shape the minds of the next generation. Pastor Drake described how Dr. Culbreath led the mind ministry, encouraging children to excel academically. “He would get in the pulpit and read off the names of the children who would turn their grades in and he would have a program for the children that needed assistance to mentor and help them.”

For Brown-Reed, this mentorship was transformative. “He changed my viewpoints and trajectory of life as a male, as a black man in this community. Even in times when I felt like I didn’t belong. He said ‘No! You are meant to be there, don’t ever think you don’t belong just because of your background and where you came from.’”

While funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, the legacy of Dr. John Culbreath will continue to inspire generations. His life serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, faith, and a commitment to community. Those who knew him will carry his memory with them, and his contributions to education and society will be remembered for years to come.