Jimmy O. White, founder and President of JAAM, is a native of Elberton, Georgia. White is excited about the progress that the museum has made since the lease of 24 South Oliver Street from the Elbert County Commissioners. White looks forward to JAAM becoming a national resource for information on African Americans from this region.

In his vision to achieve this potential goal, White says that it is necessary to implement basic essential elements:  fund-raising for the restoration and maintenance of the building; fund-raising for programs; and multiple-year pledge commitments from all board members. White is unswerving in his commitment to JAAM and has immersed himself in the fund-raising effort because of his believe in the JAAM mission.