Leading with a Heart for Home: A Profile of Jeffery Hamilton

Caption: Jeffrey Hamilton, co-founder of Activate Selma and Marketing Director for the Rudy, will retire from that title in February 2026. He will still be around to keep the spotlights on, so say Hello!

Leading with a Heart for Home: A Profile of Jeffery Hamilton

In every thriving community, there are individuals who act as the "connective tissue," bridging the gap between big visions and the practical steps needed to achieve them. In Selma, that individual is Jeffery Hamilton. Known as a co-founder of the grassroots movement Activate Selma, Jeffrey’s influence extends across the town's business, entertainment, and volunteer sectors.

A Small Business Success Story

Jeffery is not just a leader in theory; he is a leader in practice. Along with his sister, Zena Hamilton Rose, he helped pioneer the downtown revival by opening Coffee on Raiford in September 2020.

• Filling a Need: Jeffery recognized a gap in the market while working at the Rudy Theatre, where visitors constantly asked where they could find a cup of coffee downtown.
  
  
• Investing in Selma: The siblings purchased and completely renovated a 1,100-square-foot brick building that had been sitting empty, turning it into a "community living room".
  
  
• Building a Hub: Under Jeffery's leadership, the shop became more than a business; it served as a town information hub and a meeting space for local residents. (Note: The shop was sold to new owners, Kim and Matt Fry, in 2025 who continue this community-focused vision).

Mentorship and Leadership

As a mentor and leader, Jeffery has always focused on empowering others. He currently serves as the Treasurer for the Activate Selma leadership team, where he will manage the organization's financial health and grant-funded projects.

• Team Lead: He serves as the Team Leader for the popular Rockin' on Raiford concert series, coordinating events that bring thousands to the downtown area.
  
  
• Rudy Theatre Landmark: Jeffery continues to be a staple at the Rudy Theatre by being the lighting director for one of Selma’s most recognizable landmarks.

Jeffery Hamilton’s work exemplifies the core mission of Activate Selma: “By changing ourselves, we change our community”. Whether through his business ventures, his leadership in the Triangle East Chamber, or his tireless volunteer efforts, Jeffery remains a driving force in making Selma a great place to live, work, and visit.

This article was written by Activate Selma Secretary Melissa Dooley Serrano and shared in the Activate Selma weekly newsletter on February 27, 2026 and posted at  https://conta.cc/4rJ8vAi