A-Town
Atlanta in Color
Atlanta has always been a city at the crossroads of greatness. Born as a passthrough for trains in the mid 19th century, it has remained true to those roots as a city on the move.
Though Atlanta was originally just a hub for the emerging railroad system of the South–today, it has grown into a goliath in the travel industry as home to the world’s busiest airport. In that way, even if you’ve never stepped foot on Atlanta soil, you have probably had a brief moment here on a layover or flight change.
But for all the flights departing town, there are a growing number of people coming here with plans of never leaving ‘ATL.’ Over the past decade, it has consistently ranked as one of the top 10 fastest growing cities in the United States. And much of that is due to the expanding Black community flooding every avenue and street named Peachtree we have (there are over 71 by the way). The phenomena researchers and ethnographers call ‘The New Great Migration’ has created a five-fold increase of metropolitan Atlanta’s Black population from 1970 to 2020.
And with all of that influx and influence, Atlanta has risen and remained as a Mecca of music, movies, and political movements for Black people locally and globally. But none of this is new. Atlanta helped birth the civil rights movement and educate its leaders. From icons like Ralph Abernathy to Martin Luther King, Atlanta nurtured a spirit of discontent with the Jim Crow status quo. Heroes like Dorothee Lee Bolden and John Lewis organized protests that shaped the political psyche of the country. And today, those messages echo through to a new generation honoring that legacy.
That tradition of rebel rousing lives on through the storytelling and creative genius of Atlanta’s amazing Black film and television industry. Critically acclaimed movies like Hidden Figures, Selma, 42, Glory, and Black Panther were all made in Atlanta–not Hollywood. And when it comes to the soundtracks and anthems of modern America, it is Atlanta that is redefining musical genres. Whether you listen to artists like Ray Charles, Little Richard, and Glayds Knight or you choose Outkast, Migos, Ludacris, or Usher on your playlist, Atlanta is the common thread through it all.
This sense of culture and creativity is best captured in the museums, institutions, and communities of Atlanta. Whether you drive by Spelman and Morehouse, or take a tour of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, you can always receive an education in the progress of Black people through Atlanta’s unique lens. Essential spots to see include the Sweet Auburn Neighborhood, Little Five Points, and the Village at Ponce City Market. And when planning a visit, the list of events to enjoy is long but always worth it. People travel from across the country for experiences like SpellHouse, the BronzeLens Film Festival, or Atlanta Black Pride. But for more, we recommend a robust list here.
Regardless of when you come or what inspires the visit, Atlanta welcomes you. As the local Black Chamber here, we take pride in the opportunity to celebrate this place. Even with the city growing, it will never lose its charm and love for new faces. Because though Georgia is known for its peaches and hot weather, there’s nothing sweeter or warmer than the hospitality of an Atlanta native welcoming you to this city. Consider this an opportunity to find out for yourself.
