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Atlanta locals have a meaningful way to support breast cancer awareness and treat themselves to expert lingerie advice this March.
Dillard’s at The Shops at Buckhead (1371 Market St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363) will host a “Fit for the Cure®” event on Thursday, March 12, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM and running throughout the day.
Presented by lingerie brand Wacoal in partnership with Susan G. Komen®, the event offers free professional bra fittings while raising funds for breast cancer support.
For every guest who receives a fitting and purchases a regular-priced Wacoal or b.tempt’d bra, Wacoal donates $5 to Susan G. Komen®.
All donations go directly toward Komen’s patient services, including the Patient Care Center, which provides breast health resources, financial assistance, clinical trial information, and education.
The initiative, now in its 25th year, emphasizes empowering women through proper fit—something that can boost confidence and comfort—while contributing to the fight against breast cancer.
“Bring your daughters, friends, sisters, and neighbors for a girls’ day with purpose,” event organizers encourage. Participants can expect personalized, expert fittings to help refresh their lingerie wardrobe and make a direct impact on breast cancer support.
The fittings are completely free, with no purchase required to participate. However, purchases of qualifying bras trigger the $5 donation. Appointments are recommended for convenience, but walk-ins are welcome.
To book a fitting or learn more, visit the Dillard’s event page at dillards.com/events/fit-for-the-cure.
This event is part of a broader series of Fit for the Cure® activities across metro Atlanta and beyond in March 2026, highlighting community-focused efforts during Breast Cancer Awareness season extensions and related programming.
Atlanta residents looking for a practical, feel-good way to give back are encouraged to stop by and support this long-standing partnership between Wacoal and Susan G. Komen®.
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Atlanta, GA — Papa John’s, the major pizza chain headquartered right here in Atlanta, announced Thursday that it plans to shutter approximately 300 underperforming restaurants across North America by the end of 2027.
The move is part of a broader strategy to cut costs, boost profitability, and refocus the brand amid declining sales.
Papa John’s to Close Locations Nationwide, Including Potential Impact in Georgia
Company executives revealed the plan during their fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call. About 200 of these closures are expected by the end of 2026, with the remainder following in 2027.
Check out the best pizza places in Atlanta.
The affected locations are primarily franchise-owned stores that aren’t meeting brand standards, have no clear path to financial sustainability, or could have their customers redirected to nearby Papa John’s outlets.
Papa John’s had roughly 3,500 locations worldwide at the end of 2025, including nearly 200 in Georgia alone.
While the company has not released a specific list of closing stores or broken down numbers by state, the closures are part of a nationwide effort to strengthen the overall system.
The announcement comes as Papa John’s grapples with challenges in the pizza industry, including a 2% drop in North American same-store sales—driven partly by weaker performance at company-owned restaurants—and shifting consumer spending habits.
This follows a similar move by rival Pizza Hut, which earlier this year revealed plans to close around 250 underperforming U.S. locations in the first half of 2026.
Local Impact and Corporate Changes
With its global corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Papa John’s is also planning to lay off about 7% of its roughly 700-person corporate workforce as part of the restructuring.
CEO Todd Penegor emphasized the need for innovation and better local competition.
“We know we have to drive on innovation to recruit new customers,” Penegor said. “We also know we have to compete better at the local level, and we’ve been working hard over the course of the last 18 months.”
To streamline operations, the chain is phasing out items like Papadias (flatbread sandwiches introduced in 2020) and Papa Bites (bite-sized dough balls from 2022).
Recent additions include a new pan pizza launched in January, with tests underway for sandwiches and chicken tenders in select markets.
Papa John’s Chief Financial Officer and North America President Ravi Thanawala noted that the targeted stores are those “not meeting brand expectations or lack a clear path to sustainable financial improvement.”
No individual Georgia locations have been identified for closure yet, and the company has not indicated how many of the nearly 200 Peach State stores might be affected. Residents can check the official Papa John’s location finder for the latest status on their local spots.
This restructuring reflects broader pressures on casual dining and quick-service chains as Americans increasingly opt for value options or cook at home.
Atlanta pizza fans may see fewer Papa John’s outlets in the coming months and years, but the company insists these changes will help it emerge stronger.
Stay tuned to Atlanta Patch for updates as more details emerge on specific store closures in Georgia.
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The Atlanta Hawks are bringing a unique Atlanta flavor to State Farm Arena this March with a special themed night celebrating one of the city’s most legendary cultural spots: Magic City.
On Monday, March 16, 2026, the Hawks will host the Orlando Magic in what they’re calling “Magic City Monday” — a one-night collaboration honoring the iconic Atlanta strip club and entertainment institution that’s been a staple in local nightlife, hip-hop culture, and music history for decades.
Hawks To Host ‘Magic City’ Night in Atlanta
The announcement, released today by the Hawks organization, highlights the game as a chance to spotlight Magic City’s place in Atlanta’s identity.
While full details on in-arena activations are still rolling out, expect special tributes, possible themed elements, appearances, or nods to the club’s legacy — all tied into the matchup against the Orlando Magic (fittingly named for the occasion).
Game info at a glance:
- Date: Monday, March 16, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM tip-off (doors open at 6:00 PM)
- Location: State Farm Arena, downtown Atlanta
- Opponent: Orlando Magic
- Additional note: The Hawks will rock their Peachtree City Edition uniforms and court design for this City Edition contest.
This isn’t just basketball — it’s Atlanta recognizing its own cultural institutions in a fun, high-energy way. Whether you’re a lifelong Hawks fan or someone who knows Magic City as a rite of passage in the city’s entertainment scene, this promises to be a memorable night.
Tickets are available now through official channels like Ticketmaster, the Hawks website, and State Farm Arena. General public availability may be limited for this themed matchup, so fans should act fast.
Stay tuned to local Hawks coverage for more specifics on giveaways, performances, and any special guests as we get closer to March 16. Let’s go Hawks — and happy Magic City Monday!
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Atlanta foodies, get ready—Atlantic Station is welcoming a fresh culinary addition right in the heart of Midtown.
17th & State Restaurant + Bar is gearing up for its grand opening this Friday, February 27, 2026, bringing a casually upscale vibe to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown at Atlantic Station.
Grand Opening: 17th & State Restaurant
Located at 290 17th Street Northwest—conveniently at the corner of 17th and State streets—the spot sits inside the popular hotel, making it easy for both out-of-town visitors and local Atlantans to drop in.
Whether you’re shopping, catching a movie, or just exploring the neighborhood, this new restaurant promises easy access to everything Atlantic Station has to offer.
The concept comes from the experienced team behind downtown Atlanta favorite Thrive Restaurant, a spot that’s earned plenty of local love. At 17th & State, they’re serving up Southern comfort food with a modern Atlanta twist—think bold, memorable dishes that nod to the city’s roots while keeping things fresh and contemporary.
Expect a menu of modern American fare infused with hearty Southern flavors, plus a solid lineup of hand-crafted cocktails. To amp up the evenings, an in-house DJ will spin live tunes Thursday through Saturday, turning dinner into a lively night out.
For more details, including the full menu and updates, check out their website at 17thandstate.com.
Atlantic Station’s dining scene keeps heating up—mark your calendars for Friday and head over to see what 17th & State is all about! If you’ve already tried Thrive, we’d love to hear how you think this new spot stacks up. Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Atlanta’s massive airport (ATL) allows for daily air shipments of incredibly fresh fish from global markets, making high-quality seafood and exceptional Ramen accessible year-round. A burgeoning Asian population and dedicated food enthusiasts have fueled demand for authentic and diverse Japanese cuisine. To dig into these wonderful delights, check out the best Asian restaurants in Atlanta.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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Atlanta, known as “Running City USA,” is gearing up for another exciting year of marathons, half marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks, and trail runs.
With over 30 events organized by the Atlanta Track Club alone, plus a host of independent races, 2026 promises opportunities for runners of all levels to hit the pavement, trails, and iconic routes like the Beltline and Peachtree Road.
Check Out These Atlanta Races for 2026
Whether you’re training for a full marathon or joining a fun community 5K, here’s a comprehensive guide to the year’s top races in and around the city.
Dates and details are based on current announcements, but always check official sites for updates, registration, and weather-related changes.
January: Kicking Off the Year with Reverse Peachtree Energy
The year starts strong with a unique twist on Atlanta’s most famous race.
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution Polar Opposite Peachtree Road Race (January 3): This 10K reverses the traditional Peachtree course, starting in Piedmont Park and ending at Lenox Square. It’s the second running of this event, limited to a few thousand participants for an intimate vibe. 0 25 Expect chilly temps and high energy to set the tone for 2026.
February: Marathon Weekend and Charitable Runs
February brings the big one: the Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend, a staple for serious runners.
- Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend (February 28 – March 1): Includes the full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 5K, and kids’ events. The marathon and half start on Sunday, March 1, and double as the USATF Half Marathon Championships. Routes showcase downtown, historic neighborhoods, and Olympic sites. This event is an Abbott World Marathon Major qualifier and celebrates its 20th running.
- Atlanta Mission 5K Race to End Homelessness (February 24): A 5K at Pemberton Place Greenspace supporting local homelessness initiatives.
- Westside Beltline 10K/3K (February 7, tentative based on series pattern): Part of the expanded Beltline series, focusing on the west side with options for competitive runners and walkers.
March: Spring Blooms with Trail and Road Options
As temperatures warm, March sees a surge in shorter races and trail events.
- Chattahoochee Road Race 5K/10K (March 7): A scenic run along the river in Sandy Springs, attracting 500-1,000 participants.
- Bree’s Miles of Memories 5K and Fun Run (March 7): Held at Etowah River Park in Canton, honoring a local cause.
- St. Patrick’s Parade 5K (March 14): The 11th annual event in Midtown, perfect for festive runners.
- Marietta Shamrock Shuffle 5K (March 21): 10th annual walk/run starting at Marietta Square.
- Pi Mile 5K Road Race (March 28): A fun, math-themed 5K at Georgia Tech.
- HomeStretch Run the River (March 29): A Sunday race supporting housing initiatives.
April: Beltline Series and Earth Day Vibes
April highlights the Atlanta Beltline’s growing race series.
- Northside Beltline 5K/3K (April 18): Kicks off the warmer months on the north side, open to walkers and families.
- Run Like Hell 5K (April 4): 19th annual at historic Oakland Cemetery.
- Brookhaven Bolt 5K (April 16): A community favorite in Brookhaven.
- Georgia Brain Tumor Walk & Race 5K (April 25): At Zoo Atlanta, combining running with awareness.
May: Trail Focus and Memorial Day Runs
Trail enthusiasts will love May’s offerings.
- Sunrise Marathon 5K/10K/13.1 (May 2): Scenic routes with stunning views for half marathoners and shorter distances.
- All Comers Track & Field Meets (May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9): Free for members, open to all ages, including the Wingfoot Mile. 7 25
- Georgia Peach Jam 5K Memorial Day Race (May 23): All-asphalt 5K at Little Mulberry Park.
June-August: Summer Sizzlers and Independence Day Classics
Beat the heat with early starts.
- Possum Trot 10K (June 20): 48th annual at Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell. 23
- Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race (July 4): The 57th running of this iconic 10K, starting at Lenox Square and ending in Piedmont Park. Registration opens April 1.
- Southside Beltline 8K/3K (August 1): New addition to the series, exploring the south side.
September-October: Fall Marathons and Festivals
Fall brings cooler weather and longer distances.
- Bound for Boston Marathon & Half Marathon (September 6): Qualifier event in Johns Creek with waves starting from 5:30 a.m.
- The Whiskey Run (September 7): A spirited 5K/10K/half with post-race festivities at El Tesoro.
- I’m Bound for Boston Marathon & Half – Atlanta (September 26): Another qualifier in Decatur.
- The Race Half Marathon & 5K (October 3): In East Point, with virtual options and community impact focus.
- Silver Comet Marathon (October, TBD): Trail marathon in the Atlanta suburbs.
November-December: Holiday Wrap-Ups
End the year with festive runs.
- Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon (November, TBD; typically Thanksgiving Day): ATC’s annual holiday classic with 5K and kids’ dash.
- Eastside Beltline 12K/3K (December 5): Longest in the series, winding through the east side.
- Dashing Through the Square 5K (December 19): 11th annual in Marietta.
In addition to these, look for trail series like Dirty Spokes events throughout the year (e.g., March at Harbins Park, April at Iron Hill) and obstacle races like the Spartan Trifecta Weekend (March 14-15) for those seeking variety.
Atlanta’s running community thrives on inclusivity, with many events offering walker-friendly options, youth programs, and charitable ties. Lace up and join the fun—2026 is set to be a record-breaker! For more details, visit organizers like the Atlanta Track Club or local running stores.
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Atlanta’s dining scene is about to get a tropical twist with the upcoming arrival of The Grotto, a vibrant Latin-inspired, open-air café channeling the sunny, laid-back energy of Miami right in the heart of the city.
The eatery comes from restaurateur Shema Fulton, a seasoned operator with over 30 years in the industry.
Fulton is no stranger to the local food scene—she currently runs popular spots like Baltimore Crab and Seafood in Fairburn, Bella near Camp Creek and Butner Road, and the brunch favorite Garden Park on Cascade Road.
She previously owned Pearl Restaurant and Lounge in Castleberry Hill before it closed following a fire.
When Is The Grotto Opening in Atlanta?
The Grotto is bringing this fresh concept to 381 Marietta St NW in downtown Atlanta.
The Grotto aims to transport diners to a vacation state of mind, even amid Atlanta’s urban bustle. Fulton describes the vibe succinctly: “The space feels like vacation… You’re going to forget that you’re in Atlanta.
The setup emphasizes open-air dining on a lush, tropical-inspired patio designed as an oasis with stone, concrete, exotic woods, and abundant greenery.
It can accommodate up to 100 guests outdoors, with a small indoor bar seating about 12.
The concept operates primarily outdoors and will close during bad weather, focusing on a midday-to-evening crowd—open Wednesday through Sunday and wrapping up around 10 p.m. (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
The menu highlights Latin-inspired street tacos, drawing on Fulton’s seafood expertise with standout options like fish and shrimp varieties. Expect fresh margaritas and craft cocktails featuring ingredients such as spicy cucumber, roasted pineapple, and passion fruit.
Food will be prepared onsite from a dedicated trailer, ensuring everything stays vibrant and made-to-order.
The location along the bustling Marietta Street corridor places The Grotto steps from major attractions like Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium, plus nearby hotels—positioning it perfectly to attract both tourists exploring downtown and locals looking for a relaxed escape.
Downtown Atlanta, an Evolving Landscape
This new spot arrives in a neighborhood with deep historical roots. The area around Marietta Street and Centennial Olympic Park sits at the core of modern Atlanta’s transformation.
Once part of the city’s early 19th-century growth as a railroad hub (Atlanta was originally called Terminus before becoming Marthasville and then Atlanta in the 1840s), the district saw significant development in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
It became a key commercial zone with warehouses, factories, and hotels.
The 1996 Summer Olympics supercharged redevelopment here—Centennial Olympic Park was built as the Games’ centerpiece, turning what had been underutilized industrial land into a vibrant public space surrounded by new hotels, entertainment venues, and attractions.
Today, the Marietta Street corridor blends historic brick buildings with modern high-rises, reflecting Atlanta’s evolution from a post-Civil War railroad town to a major international city and tourism hub.
The Grotto is targeting an opening within the next 60 days, pending final health inspections and liquor license approvals. Stay tuned for updates as this Miami-inspired oasis prepares to bring a slice of tropical relaxation to downtown Atlanta.
Downtown Atlanta continues to be a place with plentiful things to do, see and eat! If you like that part of town, don’t sleep on College Park either.
If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.
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Atlanta Habitat for Humanity has cleared the land and has broke ground on Langston Park, a master-planned community in the historic Sylvan Hills neighborhood that introduces townhome-style homes for the first time in the organization’s 42-year history.
Announced in early 2025, Langston Park aims to expand homeownership opportunities by offering a more diverse mix of housing types that are modern, sustainable, and efficient.
Langston Park Being Built in Atlanta’s Sylvan Hills Neighborhood
The development will feature attached townhomes in configurations of 2-, 4-, and 6-unit buildings, designed with contemporary aesthetics similar to Atlanta Habitat’s popular two-story single-family homes but incorporating shared walls to maximize space and affordability.
Future phases of townhome construction are planned to include 2- and 3-story options with 3- or 4-bedroom layouts, providing flexibility for families of varying sizes.
Situated at 1579 Langston Ave. on the western edge of Sylvan Hills, the site offers strong connectivity: it’s near two MARTA stations (including the Oakland City station), the Westside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline, and nearby green spaces. This location supports easier access to transit, walking paths, and community amenities—key advantages for future residents.
Homebuyers who join Atlanta Habitat’s program starting in 2025 will have the chance to purchase these brand-new townhomes, marking a historic shift from the organization’s traditional focus on standalone single-family homes. Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Langston Park represents Atlanta Habitat’s second major planned development in Sylvan Hills and is envisioned as a higher-density community overall. Master plans call for up to approximately 68 homes across the roughly eight-acre site, including around 40 townhomes, 18 duplexes, and 10 single-family homes.
The project will gain national attention in May 2026 when it hosts the 40th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project
From May 3-8, thousands of volunteers are expected to converge on the site to build 24 new homes—single-family units and townhomes—in just five days, kicking off broader construction efforts.
Atlanta Habitat encourages prospective homebuyers interested in Langston Park to apply through their monthly homebuyer program opportunities.
The organization also invites community members to support the initiative by donating, volunteering on construction or other teams, or contributing goods to its ReStores.
For more information on the Langston Park development, homebuyer applications, or ways to get involved, visit atlantahabitat.org.
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ATLANTA, Ga. – February 24, 2026 – In a move that marks the end of Kirk Cousins’ two-year chapter with the Atlanta Falcons, General Manager Ian Cunningham confirmed Tuesday that the team will release the veteran quarterback on the first day of the new NFL league year, March 11.
Speaking on 92.9 The Game from Indianapolis, Cunningham said he personally informed Cousins and his representatives of the decision, describing it as one made “out of respect” for both the longtime starter and the team’s young franchise quarterback, Michael Penix Jr.
Falcons GM Ian Cunningham: Team to Release Veteran QB Kirk Cousins on March 11
Cousins, 37, arrived in Atlanta in March 2024 as a proven, high-volume passer brought in to provide immediate stability at the most important position on the field. The Holland, Michigan native and Michigan State Spartan was originally a fourth-round pick (102nd overall) by the Washington Redskins in 2012.
After backing up Robert Griffin III early on, he blossomed into a starter, posting three straight 4,000-yard seasons (2015-17) — a franchise first — and earning Pro Bowl honors while setting Washington records for passing yards and 300-yard games.
He signed a groundbreaking fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, becoming one of the league’s most consistent quarterbacks over the next six seasons.
Cousins earned three more Pro Bowl nods with Minnesota, led multiple playoff runs, and authored memorable comebacks — most famously the largest in NFL history, erasing a 33-point deficit against the Indianapolis Colts in 2022.
Entering 2023, he had thrown for over 24,000 yards and 180 touchdowns with the Vikings before a torn Achilles in Week 8 ended his season.
The Falcons, coming off years of quarterback uncertainty, signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract (with $100 million guaranteed) to anchor the offense while grooming Penix, whom they drafted eighth overall just weeks later.
Cousins delivered early flashes in Atlanta. He led a Monday Night Football upset in Philadelphia in Week 2 of 2024 and exploded for a franchise-record 509 passing yards in a Week 5 overtime thriller against the Buccaneers — the night Matt Ryan was inducted into the Ring of Honor.
But a mid-season slump followed: four straight games without a touchdown pass (a first in his career) and a career-high four interceptions in one outing against the Chargers. The Falcons benched him late in the year in favor of Penix.
Cousins finished 2024 with 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions on 66.9% completion in 14 starts.
In 2025, he began as Penix’s backup but stepped in after Penix’s season-ending knee injury, sparking a four-game winning streak to close the year.
He went 5-3 as a starter in 2025, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in eight starts.
This offseason the sides restructured his deal — dropping his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million while shifting money to create a $67.9 million vesting guarantee that would have locked in shortly after the new league year.
Releasing him on March 11 allows Cousins to enter free agency immediately while giving the Falcons cap relief.
Throughout his time in Atlanta, Cousins remained a consummate professional, publicly embracing his role as mentor to Penix while repeatedly stating he still believes he can start and win in this league.
In June minicamp he said, “I’m just here to support [Penix] as he needs it… I also don’t need to be in his ear so much that I’m sort of another weight, another voice.”0
Cunningham made clear the organization is fully committed to Penix as the starter moving forward and will now turn its attention to building depth around him in the quarterback room.
For Cousins, a 14-year veteran with 44,700 career passing yards and 298 touchdowns (ranking among the all-time leaders in completion percentage and passer rating), the next chapter begins as one of the top available veteran signal-callers on the open market.
Falcons fans will remember the big arm, the record-breaking nights, and the steady leadership he brought during a transitional era in Atlanta. As the team looks ahead under new leadership, the focus shifts squarely to the future — with Michael Penix Jr. now firmly at the controls.
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The Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend kicks off this Saturday with the 5K and youth events, followed by the full marathon and half marathon on Sunday, March 1—marking the 20th running of this beloved Atlanta tradition organized by the Atlanta Track Club.
With the Georgia World Congress Center Expo in full swing today and tomorrow (Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Hall C4), thousands of runners are picking up bibs, shopping gear, and attending sessions like course previews with In-Training Coach Bob Wells.
Many are also taking in stories from marathon founder Victoria Seahorn, and chats with “streakers” who’ve completed all 19 prior events.
The 5K starts bright and early Saturday at 7:15 a.m. from The Home Depot Backyard (1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313), giving participants a fun, fast tour to kick off race weekend.
Note: The 5K is officially sold out, but limited spots may remain for Sunday’s longer distances—check atlantatrackclub.org for updates.
Runners are preparing to tackle a certified, rolling-hills course that winds through iconic Atlanta spots: past Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and campuses including Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Georgia State University.
It’s a true city showcase, and this milestone year has generated huge excitement.
Weather looks favorable for performance: Forecasts for Saturday, February 28, point to daytime highs around 60-64°F with partly cloudy skies—milder than a typical late-February chill, though overnight lows could dip into the upper 40s.
Sunday, March 1, should be similar or slightly warmer. Organizers advise layering up for early-morning starts and staying hydrated, as these conditions are ideal for PR attempts but can still feel brisk pre-dawn.
Road closures will impact Midtown, downtown, and surrounding areas both days—starting early Saturday morning for the 5K and expanding Sunday for the marathon and half.
Atlanta Track Club strongly recommends taking MARTA to avoid traffic delays; trains will run with increased frequency (every 10-20 minutes on key lines, with extras during peak times). Full closure maps and times are posted at atlantatrackclub.org/road-closures.
Local runners shared their prep vibes at the Expo: “This course hits all the heart of Atlanta—rolling but rewarding,” said one Midtown resident training for the half.
Elite athletes are expected to vie for top spots, and pace teams will help guide thousands chasing Boston qualifiers or personal milestones.
Whether you’re running, cheering, or just navigating the city this weekend, Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend promises energy, community, and a celebration of 20 years of finish-line memories. Stay tuned for live updates, results, and post-race coverage from Atlanta News!
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ATLANTA — California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s book tour stop in Atlanta turned into a national flashpoint on Sunday after comments he made during a conversation with Mayor Andre Dickens drew accusations of racism from conservative critics.
The event, held at the Rialto Center for the Arts and hosted by A Cappella Books, was part of Newsom’s promotion for his new memoir, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery.
Newsom Sparks Controversy in Atlanta with Remarks on Dyslexia and SAT Scores
During the onstage discussion, Newsom sought to connect with the predominantly Black audience by sharing personal anecdotes about his academic struggles, which he attributes to lifelong dyslexia. “I’m not trying to impress you. I’m just trying to impress upon you, ‘I’m like you. I’m not better than you.’ I’m a 960 SAT guy,” Newsom said, referring to his low score on the college entrance exam.
He added, “And I’m not trying to offend anyone; I’m not trying to act all there if you got 940 … You’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech.”
The remarks quickly went viral after a clip was shared online, which framed the comments as Newsom telling a “black crowd” that he is “like you” because he “can’t read.”
The post garnered over 40 million views, igniting a firestorm of criticism from Republicans and right-leaning commentators who accused Newsom of perpetuating racist stereotypes about Black intelligence and literacy.
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), a prominent Black conservative, lambasted Newsom on X, calling the comments a “self-own” and implying they revealed underlying bigotry.
Florida Rep. Randy Fine echoed the sentiment, stating, “Gavin Newsom just said he is like a black person because he got a bad SAT score and can’t read.”
Outkick founder Clay Travis described it as “racist,” while rapper Nicki Minaj weighed in, accusing Newsom of “bonding with black ppl” by implying they are “stupid” and slowing down his speech.
Mayor Dickens, who moderated the event, appeared engaged during the exchange, nodding and laughing at points, according to video footage.
However, some observers noted a brief awkward reaction on Dickens’ face before he responded positively.
Dickens has not publicly commented on the controversy, but the event was billed as “An Evening with Gavin Newsom and Andre Dickens,” highlighting the mayor’s role in welcoming the California governor to Atlanta.
Newsom, who graduated from Santa Clara University in 1989, has long discussed his dyslexia publicly, framing it as a challenge that did not define his success.
In a heated response on X, he pushed back against the accusations, calling out critics for “fake f–ing outrage” and pointing to past instances of racism from Republicans, such as former President Donald Trump’s comments on African nations and an ape video involving Barack Obama.
“You didn’t give a s–t about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Barack Obama or calling African nations s—holes — but you’re going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?” Newsom wrote.
Supporters argue the remarks were self-deprecating and taken out of context, emphasizing Newsom’s intent to inspire by showing that personal setbacks do not limit potential. “I have dyslexia, right. I mean, I—I struggled, uh, in school. I still struggle reading, to this day. But I didn’t let that define me,” Newsom elaborated in the full context of the discussion.
The incident comes amid Newsom’s multi-state book tour, which has fueled speculation about his ambitions for a 2028 presidential run. 0 Earlier that day, Newsom endorsed former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for Georgia governor, adding a political layer to his visit.
In his remarks, Newsom also urged Democrats to “fight fire with fire” against the Trump administration, positioning himself as a combative voice for the party.
Locally, the controversy has sparked debate among Atlanta residents about race, politics, and representation.
As a key figure in the event, Mayor Dickens’ involvement places Atlanta at the center of a broader national conversation on how Democratic leaders engage with Black voters in the South.
Critics on social media have called the moment a “major political misstep,” while others defend it as an honest attempt at relatability.
The Atlanta Daily News reached out to Mayor Dickens’ office for comment but has not received a response as of publication. Newsom’s team reiterated that the governor’s comments were about his personal experiences with dyslexia and not intended to offend.
