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The reminders of Margaret Munnerlyn Mitchell are all around Atlanta, including the author’s longtime home in Midtown.
Her lasting testament was one solitary novel, “Gone With the Wind,” a Civil War-era masterpiece which won the title of Most Distinguished Novel in 1936 and a Pulitzer Prize the following year.
Mitchell, who was born in 1900 and died in 1949, was shaped by much of what she learned in “The ’60s” — the 1860s. That’s what the old-timers of her day often told her about when she listened to their stories. Civil War veterans waxed on about a poetic South where the white man’s enchanted existence was seen as unstoppable.
When recalling her mother, Mitchell once said, “She talked about the world those people had lived in, such a secure world, and how it had exploded beneath them. And she told me that my world was going to explode under me, someday, and God help me if I didn’t have some weapon to meet the new world.”
From her older relatives who remembered the genuine, slaveholding Old South, this is what she said: “On Sunday afternoons when we went calling on the older generation of relatives, those who had been active in the Sixties, I sat on the bony knees of veterans and the fat slippery laps of great aunts and heard them talk.”
Margaret Mitchell, the Atlanta-born author whose 1936 novel Gone with the Wind captured the world’s imagination, had complex and multifaceted connections to Black women throughout her life.
While her book has long been critiqued for its romanticized portrayal of the antebellum South and enslaved people—including the iconic character of Mammy—the historical record reveals a more nuanced side to Mitchell’s personal relationships and actions in her hometown.
In her personal life, Mitchell formed close, long-term bonds with Black women who worked in her household.
For many years, she employed loyal housekeepers and domestic workers such as Carrie Holbrook and Bessie Berry Jordan. These women were not mere employees; Mitchell treated them with notable care and affection. In her will, she left a house specifically to one of her longtime servants as a bequest, ensuring their security after her death in 1949.
Letters and accounts show Mitchell’s compassion toward these women, reflecting personal loyalty that transcended the employer-employee dynamic common in mid-20th-century Atlanta.
One of the most documented ties was Mitchell’s correspondence and friendship with Hattie McDaniel, the groundbreaking actress who portrayed Mammy in the 1939 film adaptation.
When McDaniel won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress—the first Black performer to win an Oscar—she and Mitchell exchanged warm letters. McDaniel praised the “authenticity” of Mitchell’s depiction of Southern life, drawing from stories her own grandmother had shared.
Mitchell, in turn, expressed admiration for McDaniel’s performance and regret over the segregation that barred Black cast members, including McDaniel, from attending the film’s glittering premiere in Atlanta.
Their exchange grew into a lifelong pen-pal relationship built on mutual respect, despite the racial divides of the era.
Beyond personal connections, Mitchell quietly supported Black Atlantans in ways that were extraordinary for a white woman of her time and social standing.
Deeply troubled by the inadequate healthcare available to African Americans in segregated Atlanta, she became one of the most significant anonymous benefactors of Morehouse College, the historically Black institution. Working discreetly with Morehouse president Benjamin Mays (a key civil rights figure and mentor to Martin Luther King Jr.), Mitchell funneled substantial funds—drawn from her Gone with the Wind royalties—to provide scholarships for Black medical students.
This support helped train nearly 50 physicians who might otherwise have been unable to complete their education, addressing the dire shortage of Black doctors serving their communities. Recipients like Dr. Otis Smith later credited her generosity with enabling their careers, noting that Mitchell insisted on anonymity to avoid controversy in a segregated society.
These efforts highlight a quieter, progressive aspect of Mitchell’s legacy—one often overshadowed by debates over her novel’s racial portrayals.
In an era when cross-racial friendships and philanthropy were rare and fraught, Mitchell reached across divides in private ways that benefited Black women and families in Atlanta for generations.
Margaret Mitchell’s Death
As a literary superstar Mitchell was second to none in Atlanta. So it made quite a commotion when in August 1949, she died at Grady Hospital of injuries received when she was struck down by a speeding caron Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta.
The driver, a 29-year-old taxi driver, was charged with drunken driving, speeding and driving on the wrong side of the street.
Gov. Herman Talmadge ordered the flag over the State Capitol lowered to half-staff until after the funeral.
Crowds of people swelled to pay respects at a funeral service at Spring Hill, Atlanta funeral home. Today, she rests entombed at the historic Oakland Cemetery on the city’s east side.
Years later, it was disclosed that Mitchell secretly donated funds to educate young black men.
“We have in our archives, our collection, the bank books, the checks,” says college archivist Herman “Skip” Mason.
“Dr. Martin Luther King in his ‘I have a Dream’ speech talked about, ‘One day, I’d like to have a nation where the sons of former slaves will be able to sit down at the table of brotherhood with the sons of former slave-owners,'” Atlanta historian Ira Joe Johnson was quoted as saying. “And I say, at Morehouse, twenty years before Dr. King gave that speech, Margaret Mitchell not only sat down at the table, she pulled out the check.”
As our city continues to reflect on its literary icons, Margaret Mitchell’s story reminds us that history is rarely one-dimensional.
Her ties to Black women encompassed household loyalty, artistic collaboration, and behind-the-scenes advocacy—threads that wove her into the fabric of Atlanta’s complex racial story.
As you can see, Atlanta’s history is rich when it comes to African-American excellence. Along with having many cool things to do in Atlanta, the city offers a great history lesson of the progress of U.S. society. If you want to support black businesses in Atlanta in a material way, here are some resources to help you.
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The long studied and anticipated plan to turn an old, abandoned granite quarry into prime green real estate is one step closer to reality. Outgoing Mayor Kasim Reed announced this week that the city has came up with $26.5 million to build the initial phase of the Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry.
The 280-acre space will also be able to house a 30-day supply of drinking water for the city, Reed said.
A fall 2017 tour revealed the city’s plans to reporters, as reported in Intown Atlanta.
“We are very ambitious over here” said Amy Phuong, Commissioner of the Atlanta Parks & Recreation Department, was quoted as saying. “As we grow to 1.2 million residents, how do we connect folks to nature?”
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In his last act as Atlanta’s mayor, Kasim Reed announced the expansion of Piedmont Park, the city’s emerald green crown jewel. Reed is poised to leave the city on a high note, with Mayor-elect Keisha Lance-Bottoms set to guide the city to new heights.
Job one for Lance-Bottoms is to secure the Amazon deal, which would bring the city a worldclass headquarters for the world’s No. 1 online retailer.
Reed said that the city is in the middle of purchasing five acres at the corner of Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive. The parcel will cost the city $20 million, a low amount considering the rapid pace of real estate appreciation in the area.
Reed said that before the deal is complete, the city will acquire a few more parcels. He has appointed Home Depot Chief Financial Officer Carol B. Tome to chair a committee to raise the remaining $80 million from Atlanta’s philanthropic community, the AJC reports.
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Fresh off the success of his first Netflix venture, “Bright,” actor Will Smith is bringing his next movie to the red clay of Georgia. “Gemini Man” will film in Georgia, according to Project Casting.
The film, which will be directed by Ang Lee, has been around Hollywood for more than a decade in various versions. It is about an assassin who finally meets his match, actually a younger clone of himself.
“Previous drafts were penned by a revolving door of scribes that included Brian Helgeland, Andrew Niccol and David Benioff. Previously, Tony Scott considered directing as well as Curtis Hanson,” according to Deadline.com. “Skydance acquired the project in 2016 with Jerry Bruckheimer attached to produce with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger and Don Murphy and Chad Oman executive producing.”
Smith is coming off the success of “Bright,” an alien-mystical-cop movie that has drawn a mixed reaction from critics, but garnered more than 11 million views in its first week.
“Gemini Man,” which is being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and executive produced by Don Murphy, is set to hit theaters in October 2019.
Smith is also set to star in Disney’s live-action version of “Aladdin.”
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The first funeral arrangements for iconic broadcast journalist Amanda Davis have been announced, AtlantaFi has learned. The family of Davis, a nationally renown Atlanta broadcaster, will hold a public viewing of her body Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2017 at Gregory B. Levett Funeral Home in Decatur at 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A public funeral will follow on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Cascade United Methodist Church, where Davis attended.
Davis, 62, passed away Wednesday after suffering a sudden stroke while waiting to board a flight to bury her father in San Antonio, Texas. We are still awaiting funeral plans, which have yet to be released by Davis’ family.
“I couldn’t talk for awhile I was crying so much,” colleague Paul Ossmann, now chief meteorologist at CBS46, told the TV station. “Those are tears of what I’m feeling for my loss but I am the lucky one. I have memories of her and I spent a lot of time with her. I feel very fortunate. I didn’t want to go to work but that’s where I need to be.”
According to CBS46, Davis has been at WAGA-TV for 26 years. “She has received numerous honors and awards during her career, including: RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Award, ten Southeast Regional Emmy Awards, Georgia Association of Broadcasters Gabby Award and the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists Pioneer of the Year Award.”
Atlantans and many across the nation have wished the family well as Davis touched thousands of people through her work on air as well as her being a national figure in journalism and media.
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Atlanta is a tea town, make no mistake about it. Sweet tea rules the day in the city’s restaurants, but in the breakfast spots, coffee reign supreme. The city has quite a few spots to grab a cup of Joe so it’s only right that we go to the expert reviewers of TripAdvisor and get their take.
Here are the top spots to grab some coffee in ATL:
Java Lords Coffee House One reviewer said: “This is the coffee house attached to 7 Stages Theater, and the atmosphere is, well, theatrical. The barista who served me an iced latte was a hoot to talk to, offering up suggestions and one-liners at the same time. I sat on what was obviously once church pews and started up at numerous playbills and community flyers. Overall, it was a cool experience.”
Octane Coffee Bar & Lounge One reviewer said: “My life as a flight attendant challenges me to find the best coffee and breakfast in each city that I encounter.
This time I found this in Atlanta and might I say; granola with fresh strawberries on toast brought my taste sense to a whole new level that makes me wanna come back tomorrow before I have to make the flight back to Europe! Even the avocado on toast with eggs sunny side up made this breakfast/brunch the best start on this rainy Saturday. And don’t forget the latté vanilla that I had with this brekkie which completed this food sensation. Worth the drive.”Chattahoochee Coffee Company A reviewer said: “Being by the river here felt like you were far away from the greater Atlanta area. There is nice green space behind the shop and a short trail a long the river. Perfect spot to relax with your drink.”
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee A reviewer said: “Medium size coffee was only 10 oz. Staff didn’t know prices until they rang it up. Understaffed and Slow… One toaster oven that they use was always full. Our sandwich was still cold when given to us. Turkey sandwich sold for later was soggy and had been in the box a while. Croissants are huge but have way too much butter in them. One customer complained his $5 drink after he drank it was cold and they told him they’d fix it next time.”
Aurora Coffee A reviewer said: “I absolutely adore the names of the coffee drinks, such as The Polar Bear. There is a large selection of tea drinks, both hot and cold to satisfy any taste. And the artwork on the walls adds to the coffeehouse atmosphere.”
Drip Coffee Shop: A reviewer said: “Very good coffee shop; love that it’s the same premium coffee roaster that Dancing Goats uses!!! I always stop in when in the Glenwood Park area. My daughter (13 yrs) had the Vanilla flavored frappe and loved it.”
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OpenTable is busily accommodating Atlanta diners around the city. Right now you can access OpenTable to reserve seats at a number of Southern Proper Hospitality restaurants including The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Smokebelly BBQ, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Beni’s Cubano, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina.
Just log on or download the app to reserve a table now.
A few months ago, the Big Ketch Saltwater Grillhas added a seafood counter for patrons who want to grab and go. The counter does not require advanced orders and is open daily.
The eatery, open on Roswell Road since 2010, offers fresh seafood in a beachy atmosphere, something that is remote to inland-bound Atlantans.
“Fresh seafood delivered daily is a point of pride for us, and we are excited to be able to share that with our guests now both in and out of our dining room,” co-owner John Piemonte said in a news release. “With our new seafood counter, diners can get fresh seafood to go to prepare at home. It’s another way to provide the great-tasting seafood they’ve come to love in a way that’s fast, convenient and affordable.”
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Update 11 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27 2017: News anchor Amanda Davis has died, according to news reports. “The CBS46 news team is in shock,” Steve Doerr, news director told the AJC. “No one saw this coming.”
Colleague and news anchor Sharon Reed said, “She shared so much of herself, her vulnerability, on multiple nights,” Reed said. “Hats off. We’re going to miss her.” Reed got teary-eyed while talking about Davis.
On her Legacy page, fans, family and friends left condolences, with one saying: “Sorry for your lost. Jehovah gained him an angel this year. Not, 1 but2 . You and step father can rejoyce in heaven together. Rest on Amanda youll be missed!”
original story: Longtime Atlanta news anchor Amanda Davis has been hospitalized after suffering a “massive stroke,” various media outlets reported Wednesday.
The unfortunate news comes from CBS 46 news director Steve Doerr, who spoke to the AJC.
“She suffered a spontaneous massive stroke while waiting for a flight to go to San Antonio,” Doerr told the newspaper. Doerr was headed back to Atlanta from a vacation in New England to be with Davis at the hospital.
Davis was about to board a flight to attend the funeral of her stepfather in San Antonio, according to Doerr.
According to CBS46, Davis has been at WAGA-TV for 26 years. “She has received numerous honors and awards during her career, including: RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Award, ten Southeast Regional Emmy Awards, Georgia Association of Broadcasters Gabby Award and the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists Pioneer of the Year Award.”
“Her family has asked for privacy and will update her condition as the situation develops,” Doerr told local media.
Saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Atlanta news icon, Amanda Davis. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time. She will truly be missed.
— Kasim Reed (@KasimReed) December 28, 2017
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If you aren’t still hemming and hawing over Black Thought’s freestyle on Funk Master Flex’s radio show, then maybe you’re immune to the wizardry of unbridled lyricism — or dead. Either way, you don’t want to miss the Roots’ performance in Atlanta this weekend at The Roxy Theatre.
Need tickets? Check out this LiveNation link. Here are some other events on tap this weekend around Atlanta.
New Year’s Bubble Bash: Children’s Museum of Atlanta on Dec. 31, 2017 at 10 a.m.
The Atlanta Hawks take on Orlando Magic at Philips Arena. Dec. 27, 2017 at 7:30 a.m.
Buckhead Ball NYE 2018 ft Kap Slap: Silent Disco room upstairs with 3 live DJs.
The Atlanta Falcons play the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Dec. 31, 2017.
New Beers Eve: All inclusive party with appetizer buffet, well liquor drinks, house wine, & over 40 beer choices.
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Atlanta is a well-known lair of rappers. Like, they all live here. So the fact that one rapper from the West Coast will be performing in The A for the new year shouldn’t be a big deal. But it is.
Kendrick Lamar is just that legendary. Despite only having a handful of albums, Lamar has quickly emerged as the best rapper alive today.
Lamar will perform at halftime during the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 8. While the game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the free concert will be in Centennial Olympic Park one hour before kickoff, according to the Georgia World Congress Center.
The concert is a free and non-ticketed event so no age restrictions are expected.
“Having the opportunity to perform at halftime of what will surely be the best game of the year between two deserving universities is truly an honor,” said Kendrick Lamar. “Thank you, ESPN, for having me be the first halftime performer ever at the College Football Playoff National Championship.”
The game will televise the concert to millions of TV fans while on the ground, the non-ticketed event will be likely attended by thousands.
College Football Playoff National Championship
Monday, January 8, 2018
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, Georgia
