How Atlanta Became The Black Mecca

skyline of city at night time
Via flickr
Adé Hennis
October 8, 2024

Hotlanta, a city like no other, is scorching with red-hot culture and history. Atlanta’s boom can be largely attributed to how the community worked together throughout the 1970s and 80s.

#1: Activism: The Civil Rights Era may have ended in the late 1960s, but Atlanta was still fighting racism in the 70s. The March Against Repression  in 1970 was one of the city’s biggest. Led by Martin Luther King Jr.’s mentor Ralph Abernathy, the marchers opposed the Vietnam War draft and the killing of student protesters at Kent State.

#2: Politics and Economics: In 1973, the election of Maynard Jackson made Atlanta the first major southern city to elect a Black mayor. Jackson helped create Black millionaires by creating business and labor opportunities, especially in the transportation sector, while also diversifying the staff of City Hall. By 1982, Atlanta had over 7,000 Black-owned businesses, placing it in the  top 10 in the country.

#3: Music: There’s no life without soul, and soul music helped give life to Atlanta during the 70s. Atlanta’s legendary Gladys Knight & The Pips released the classic song “Midnight Train To Georgia” in 1973.

The key to Atlanta's rise? They didn’t only stick together in times of joy. They also worked together in suffering, resistance, and even disagreement. That togetherness still opens doors for our liberation across the Black diaspora.

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