Atlanta has a long and rich history when it comes to rights for Black Americans, dubbing the city the ‘Cradle of Civil Rights,’ but still, there are many untold stories and lost narratives.
Here’s a look at the past
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THROUGHOUT THE MONTH, 11ALIVE ASKED OUR INTERVIEWEES WHAT ‘BLACK IS’ TO THEM
Dive into the heart of community activism with Scotty Smart, a dedicated activist and mentor, as he dissects the challenges facing the Black community today.
We've become a privileged culture but an uneducated culture about the importance of what really matters.
From the decline in voter turnout to what Scotty calls a billion-dollar business to keep Black people unaware of the issues, Scotty confronts the lack of unity and direction that hampers progress.
OFTEN FORGOTTEN ARE THE BLACK WOMEN LEADING POLITICAL ORGANIZING
UNSUNG HEROS OF YESTERDAY
Lugenia Burns Hope, originally from Chicago, founded the Atlanta Neighborhood Union (NU) in 1908 to improve living conditions in Atlanta's Black neighborhoods. Leading the organization until 1935, she mobilized Morehouse College students to address community needs. Hope was also active in various other organizations, such as the YWCA, NACW, Hoover’s Colored Advisory Commission, and the NAACP. She passed away in 1947, leaving behind a legacy of community activism and service.
Adella Hunt Logan, born in Sparta, Georgia, challenged societal norms as the daughter of a free Black woman and an enslaver. Despite her background, she pursued education at Atlanta University and became involved in women's clubs in Alabama, advocating for the rights of Black women, including voting rights and better work opportunities. Her resilience and dedication to improving the lives of Black women serve as a testament to her remarkable legacy.
LEADERS OF TODAY
Hannah Gebresilassie is the co-founder and executive director of Protect the Vote GA, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding voting rights. The organization collaborates with over 50 groups and led protests against SB202 in 2021. Through voter education and mobilization, they aim to empower marginalized communities and combat voter suppression. The organization aims to empower marginalized communities and combat voter suppression. Gebresilassie’s leadership underscores the belief.
Kendra Davenport Cotton, with over 20 years of experience, is currently the CEO of New Georgia Project and New Georgia Project Action Fund. She previously served as COO at NGP and NGPAF, and as campaign manager for a U.S. Senate race. Cotton also founded Rep GA Institute, Inc. and managed successful statewide initiatives. Formerly in North Carolina, she held positions including policy director for the NC State Treasurer’s office and roles at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Atlanta is also home to hundreds of black businesses
in 2021, the lending tree states Atlanta has the highest rate of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. at 8.8% compared to a national rate of 2.7%.
BLACK PEOPLE CAN BE ANYTHING. HERE’S A WORD FROM OUR INTERVIEWEES ON WHO THEY ARE
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Along with Black Americans in Atlanta making strides in politics and entrepreneurship, many are continuing to make history as creative influences beyond the metro
Have you ever walked into a space and felt the pulse of music translated into a visual masterpiece?
That's the magic of set design, and in this ‘Take 5,’ we're taking you on a journey with a creative force who's redefining Atlanta's music scene through her innovative work.
Marina Skye details her rise as a set designer whose work with the Trap Music Museum and 21 Savage's album "I Am > I Was" has not only captured the essence of trap music but has also garnered global recognition. From the humble beginnings of an abandoned motel on Glenwood to the international stages of a world tour, our guest shares the story of her career's pivotal moments.
Imagine converting each room of a rundown motel into a living, breathing representation of a song. That's exactly what our guest did for 21 Savage, and the result was nothing short of groundbreaking. Her ability to conceptualize sound into visual art led to a feature in Rolling Stone and a Cleo marketing award, proving that her work resonates far beyond Atlanta's borders.
Make a Joyful Noise
Bryan-Michael Cox is at the top of his music production and songwriting career, collaborating with luminaries like Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey. From Miami, Florida, his ascent is fueled by an unwavering belief in his creativity.
“Push the boundaries, learn everything. You know what I mean? Don't be intimidated. Don't be afraid to learn everything,” Cox said.
His Grammy win in 2006 for Best R&B Song, "Be Without You" with Mary J. Blige, cements his legacy. With seven Grammy nominations, Cox's journey epitomizes artistic evolution and excellence.