Welcome to UBA Legacy Fayetteville
Our History
The Union Benevolent Aid Legacy is a revival of the original Union Benevolent Aid Society that was co-founded in 1885 by Tom and Isaac Dorsey in Fayetteville, Georgia. These men, along with other community members, were able to help former slaves "take care of themselves and be responsible in society" by helping them become good stewards of their finances while living and to be buried with dignity after death by nearly mirroring an insurance agency. At this time, there were many blacks who didn't eceive proper burials which caused history to be lost over time. However, the UBAS helped restore that dignity to those in their communities by providing them with burial grounds so their descencdants can remember their legacies. The Fayetteville City Cemetery, along with a plethora of other cemeteries around Georgia, is the burial site of many members and friends of the UBAS.
Mission Statement:
"Do the work of God by going to the highways and byways to help build up our fellow men in the way Christ helped those in need such as the downtrodden, less fortunate, etc. through wise presentation and education."
About Us
In that same spirit of Tom and Isaac Dorsey, Reverend Donald Dorsey, Thomas Dorsey, Paul, Johnny, and JD Ponder felt compelled to revitalize the good works started by the UBAS in 1885. In July 2022, these men met at a location that was certainly a full circle moment for the descendants of Tom and Isaac Dorsey. A place that lies between where Tom and Isaac Dorsey went from being slaves at the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House to shifting to Church Street in the place that the UBAS Chapter was housed in a building next to Edgefield Baptist Church where they helped slaves as freedmen. Just as these men sought out to help the people better themselves through giving responsibly to a good cause is the same vision we have for the Union Benevolent Aid Legacy. Today, the UBAL is dedicated to helping those in need, providing educational opportunities for those hungry for knowledge, and invigorating the concept of loving thy neghbor as thyself in our community. We are better together.