In 1959, Paschal’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop opened at 830 Hunter Street. The new facilities were financed with a $75,000 loan from Citizens Trust Bank in conjunction with Atlanta Life Insurance Company. This was one of the largest loans made by the bank at that time, according to the restaurant’s website.
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Black Tech Nation Ventures (BTN.vc), a Pittsburgh-based venture firm, recently announced the close of a $50 million inaugural fund that would help ease the disparities faced by overlooked founders and entrepreneurs.
BTN.vc is investing in high-potential founders in Atlanta’s tech scene and other U.S. cities. At at the seed and pre-seed stage who are building companies with technology that is driving innovation in fintech, edtech, health tech, climate tech, and AI and machine learning.
“We set up BTN.vc to equip and train a new generation of more diverse entrepreneurs and investors,” said David Motley, one of three general partners. “We are committed to providing intellectual as well as financial capital to help our founders navigate growing a successful company and opening up opportunities for future venture capitalists who are Black or diverse to participate in the industry.”
The firm has already invested in 10 companies in cities including Atlanta, Boston, District of Columbia, Indianapolis, New York, and Pittsburgh. These include; EMTECH, a fintech infrastructure company; Goodfynd, an enterprise solutions provider for food truckers and mobile vendors; The Folklore, an e-commerce platform connecting brands from the African continent to premium retailers in the US; and Kloopify, provider of supply chain sustainability analytics. Multiple investments have already secured up-round follow on funding.
BTN.vc expects to back 20-30 companies from its inaugural fund, typically seeking entry at the pre-seed and seed stages with checks in the $250,000 to $1M range. The firm has led, co-led and or helped complete funding rounds. The team has built a unique deal funnel to match its investment focus, which includes diverse professional development groups, top tier research universities, and historically Black colleges and universities.
- Kelauni Jasmyn is a former software developer and the founder and CEO of Black Tech Nation, which is building community and resources to bridge the gap between the Black community and the tech community in Pittsburgh and across the US.
- David Motley brings extensive experience with technology and innovation driven companies having led a corporate venture fund and co-founded a prior private venture fund. He also co-founded the African American Directors Forum (AADF), which strives to increase representation of African American executives at the public company board level.
- Seán Sebastian previously founded Birchmere Ventures, a $300m AUM seed-stage investor that led investments in almost 100 portfolio companies attracting more than $4bn in follow-on capital and achieving over $18bn in market value. Included in that portfolio were 25 diverse-led startups and some of the firm’s strongest performers.
BTN.vc is backed by a range of blue chip LPs including Alphabet, First National Bank (FNB Corp), Mark Cuban, First Close Partners, and Bank of America.
Final Word
Atlanta is a the black tech capital of America, with several active pipelines and networks helping to create innovative solutions across many sectors. If you’re looking for a good company to work for or want to do your own thing, Atlanta is the place to be.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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It’s been said that searching for jobs can be a full-time job in itself. One way to slim back much of your time and make money is to consider a side hustle.
This article is going to break down some hobbies to turn into side hustles so that you can earn extra income. All you need is a little confidence in yourself and you can make it happen!
How To Turn Your Hobbies Into Side Hustles
Now I want to make this perfectly clear: Nobody’s saying you’ll get rich. And you certainly won’t get rich quick. These hobbies are just ways to earn supplemental income.
What Is A Side Hustle?
First of all, a side hustle is a job that is usually done in your spare time and outside of the traditional 9 to 5 working hours of corporate America.
Many people do side hustles at night or on the weekend. Still, others do side hustles online in their spare time.
1. Drive For Uber or Lyft
One of the easiest ways to make some easy money on the side is to become an Uber and Lyft driver. All you need is a clean driving record and dependable car.
Here is the Uber signup | Here is the Lyft signup
There are other rideshare companies you can work for to like…
2. Resell Your Clothes On Poshmark
Poshmark is one of the best sites to resell your clothes online. Poshmark takes 20% of your cut though. Watch this Poshmark review to learn more.
In addition to Poshmark, you can sell your items on:
Here are some other places you can sell your clothes.
3. Start Blogging
One of the most popular things to do today is blog, so you might as well make some money doing it. All you need to do is come up with a domain name, register it and pick a blogging platform.
The two best blogging platforms are:
4. Sell Your Crafts On Etsy
I know you’ve heard of Etsy makers pulling in $30,000 a month selling knitted monkey caps and it sounds easy, but it’s not. You’re going to have to dedicate yourself to spending a lot of time crafting things that people want to buy.
Etsy is just a marketing platform at the end of the day. If you have great product, the sales will come.
Here are some other places you can sell your wares.
5. Rent Your Home On Airbnb
I know, I know. No way, right? There are many people who rent their homes on Airbnb only when they’re going out of town. That way, they make money while they’re enjoying a getaway somewhere spending money.
Before you begin, you’ll need to make sure of a few things like:
- Confirm that your neighborhood allows Airbnb rentals
- Make sure to screen the person before you agree to rent
- Always create a set of house rules to protect your property and the peace of your neighbors
Airbnb is easy to sign up and you can choose the available dates. What’s not to like?
6. Start Babysitting Or Petsitting
If you love babies, perhaps you’re the perfect person to start a small babysitting business. Child care runs into the hundreds of dollars per week for most families.
If you like dogs or cats, you could become a petsitter on the weekends.
Here are the best petsetting sites to get business:
7. Become A House Sitter
It may sound strange, but people will pay you good money for you to stay in their homes for an extended weekend. The home sitting market is ripe for more workers.
All you need are some stellar references and some time on your hands. You can advertise on Nextdoor or at your local church.
8. Become A Movie Extra
If you live in a movie city like Atlanta, Charlotte or New Orleans, it’s pretty easy to show up for a casting call. All you have to do is meet the needs of certain films and TV shows and you’re in.
Here are some national databases that hire extras:
Here’s more on how to become a movie or TV extra in Atlanta.
9. Rent Your Home To A Film Production
It’s easier than ever today to rent your home to a movie or TV production. In Atlanta, they use real people’s homes and they let you negotiate what it’s worth to you.
This can work out especially well if you plan on leaving your home for an extended period of time.
10. Become A Virtual Assistant
Working with small companies remotely as a virtual assistant may be the way to go for you. All the terms and payscale is up to you.
These one-person virtual assistant companies make good money by doing clerical or administrative work on a flexible schedule.
Here’s the ultimate guide to becoming a virtual assistant.
11. Do Social Media For A Company
If you’re always on IG or Twitter, you might as well get paid for it. Approach a company and see if they need any “marketing” help on social media.
Before you know it, you could be handling thousand-dollar campaigns and making some of that money for yourself.
Some great social media management platforms include:
12. Open A Kitchen Pop-up
One Saturday or Sunday, run an ad on Nextdoor or Craigslist that you’re baking pies or making your favorite recipe. This kitchen pop-up can be a one-time thing that people will come to try.
You can charge $10 a plate and sell until you run out. Who knows? You might be the next Paula Deen!
13. Become A Photographer
Shooting for a living takes great training, expensive equipment and a lot of time and money. I’m not talking about shooting weddings or documentaries.
I’m talking about approaching real estate companies and asking to shoot homes and commercial properties. These companies need great photos to advertise real estate.
Here’s how to turn your old photos into cash money.
14. Become An English Tutor
One job that you can do online is to teach English to foreign students. There are many websites that facilitate this by means of education programs.
All you really need is a computer, a firm grasp of the English language — and a lot of patience!
Here are some of the top online companies to work for that specialize in hiring English tutors:
15. Delivery Food & Groceries
If you have a car and a phone, you can sign up to work for Instacart, Grubhub or DoorDash to deliver food to homes and businesses.
You can work for one of them are all three, if you have the time. The best thing about these types of jobs is that they’re flexible.
Final Thoughts
Making money today is perhaps easier than ever, especially if you have a computer and internet connection.The side hustle is as important today as the regular 9 to 5 because it offers more flexibility and tends to keep you more motivated. No matter what, don’t rest on your laurels. Think of some creative ways you can make money today.Metro Atlanta has a hot economy and that means employers are hiring at a rapid pace. We currently have job articles that show you high-paying jobs, those close to downtown and even side hustles you might like.If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job. -
The family of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is known throughout the world for their sacrifice for peace and non-violence during the civil rights movement and beyond.
What is not as widely known is the life and death of Alberta Williams King, the mother of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the wife of the Rev. Martin Luther King. Sr.
More than a family matriarch, Mrs. King was quite possibly the glue of the civil rights movement.
“She was just a remarkable human being,” her grandson Martin Luther King III told Atlanta TV station 11Alive. “There’s no question. She was a remarkable human being. Literally maybe who walked with kings and queens, but retained the common touch.”
MLK Jr., an illustrious speaker and orator, was very close to his mother and would often write her when he was out of town. In one letter, he said, “Mother Dear, one day I’m going to turn this world upside down.”
Alberta Williams King: What To Know About The Mother Of MLK Jr.
Mrs. King was born September 13, 1904 in Atlanta, Georgia, to Adam and Jennie Williams.
She went to Spelman Seminary for high school before earning a teaching certificate from Hampton Normal and Industrial Institute, which later became Hampton University in Virginia.
She and Michael King, then a young preacher, married on Thanksgiving Day in 1926. They moved into Williams’ home on Auburn Avenue and stayed in an upstairs bedroom.
Despite her new role as a wife and church mother, she continued to further her education at Morris Brown College, receiving a BA from the Atlanta school in 1938.
Mrs. King was a high achiever by any standard. She founded the Ebenezer choir, serving as organist there for 40 years and was a member of the YWCA, NAACP and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.
Who Shot Alberta Williams King?
On June 30, 1974, a religious extremist arrived from Ohio and took a taxicab to Ebenezer Church. Marcus Chenault, a diminutive 21-year-old who had attended classes at Ohio State University, was armed with two pistols.
Before his bus ride to Georgia, he told friends that he was going to Atlanta “to meet destiny.”
During Sunday service, Mrs. King was sitting at the organ when she was struck with a bullet. “She was playing, ironically, the Lord’s Prayer when she was killed,” King III told the TV station.
According to testimony from the trial, Chenault, who was seated about 4 feet from the organ, fired his gun at Mrs. King. A deacon who witnessed the shooting said that Mrs. King exclaimed “Oh!” after the blast and that he saw Chenault standing up with a pistol exclaiming, “I am taking over this …” He shot more people, including a deacon, Edward Boykin, who was killed, and Mrs. Jennie Mitchell, who survived.
Among family members who witnessed Mrs. King’s shooting was her grandson, Derek Barber King. During the commotion, King said that Chenault took aim at Mrs. King again, who was on the floor screaming and bleeding. He shot her again.
Mrs. King, 70, died later that day.
There was never a clear motive as to why Chenault killed Mrs. King, although it is public record that during his trial he said, “All Christians are my enemies.” It was also brought out that Chenault, an African-American, sought to kill other black members of the clergy, as he saw them as a threat.
Chenault followed the tenants of the Black Hebrew Israelites, particularly the teachings of the Rev. Hananiah E. Israel of Cincinnati, who said that he had met the young man and tutored him in his teachings.
“He said that [he] was a college kid who didn’t know anything,” Israel told the New York Times a week after Mrs. King’s murder. “The boy was brilliant. All I had to give him was the key to open his mind.”
Israel said that he was “shocked and flabbergasted” when he found out that Chenault had gotten arrested for the shooting, which he didn’t denounce.
During his trial, Chenault was sentenced to death, even though two psychiatrists testified that he suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and had “delusions of grandiosity” at the time of the murders.
In 1995, Chenault’s sentence was commuted to life. He died of natural causes on August 3, 1995.
Final Word
Mrs. King’s death just six years after her son’s was yet another blow to the King family and those who knew them.
Her quiet strength exemplified the confidence she had in herself and instilled in her grandchildren. There is no doubt that her daughter-in-law, Coretta Scott King, learned much from Mrs. King, a piece Larry to the end.
Read These Inspired Quotes From The Late Coretta Scott King.
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If you’re an animal lover, you know that Zoo Atlanta offers an oasis of creatures from around the globe. In the United States, plenty of zoos have many of the same types of animals, except for one: pandas.
As of now, you can see pandas in the United States only at Zoo Atlanta.
Where Can I Find Pandas in the U.S.?
- Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia: Zoo Atlanta is currently the only zoo in the U.S. that houses giant pandas. They have a famous pair of pandas named Yang Yang and Lun Lun.
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C.: The National Zoo has had a long history of caring for giant pandas and has been home to pandas since 1972. However, the pandas were returned back to China in late 2023.
- The San Diego Zoo May receive a male and a female panda from China this summer, but the plan is still in the works.
- The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., May get some pandas as well.
These plans may or may not come to fruition, so Atlanta is your only sure bet. Why need spend an Atlanta weekend with your wild friends at the zoo?
An American Zoo, Panda History
The history of pandas in U.S. zoos dates back to 1936 when the first giant panda, Su Lin, arrived in California.
Pandas became popular in the U.S., with zoos clamoring to host them. However, by the early 1950s, the number of pandas in America had dwindled to zero.
In 1972, following President Nixon’s visit to China, the U.S. received two pandas, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, who lived at the National Zoo. Over the years, the pandas at the National Zoo became a symbol of cross-cultural collaboration between the U.S. and China.
Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing had five cubs, but none survived more than a few days. Mei Xiang and Tian Tian arrived at the National Zoo in 2000 on loan from China.
The panda program at the National Zoo ended in 2023 when Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji returned to China.
How To See Pandas at Zoo Atlanta
To see the pandas at Zoo Atlanta, you’ll have to purchase a ticket and make your way to the zoo exhibit.
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Another marriage has ended in Atlanta’s word of reality TV.
Porsha Williams and Simon Guobadia have called it quits after about a year and a half of marriage, according to People Magazine. The couple, who starred on Bravo TV’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta, announced on February 22, 2024 that they are getting a divorce.
Porsha, and Simon, a Nigerian-born businessman, got married in a traditional Nigerian ceremony in November 2022.
The couple had a whirlwind romance on and off the screen as they got engaged in May 2021. What followed were magical trips to Africa, including one in which Porsha an ancestry DNA test confirmed that she was 44% Nigerian, from the same part of the nation where Guobadia’s mom is from.
Back then Porsha was a ball of energy and so excited about her nuptials.
“I am ridiculously excited,” Williams told People Magazine before the wedding. “I am just so ready. I’m not even nervous. I mean, I know I’m marrying the love of my life, and it’s just going to solidify our relationship and our family bond. I’m calm and excited.”
Why Are Porsha and Simon Guobadia Divorcing?
There’s no official word yet on why the Guobadias are ending their marriage, although there may be some indications.
The news of the divorce comes as Porsha announced that she will return to RHOA for its 16th season. She is also set to produce scripted shows with NBCUniversal.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the vision and faith NBCUniversal has put in me to be a larger part of their family,” she said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to being back on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and showing the world my new world!”
Real Housewives of Atlanta Divorces
Is there something in the water, or better yet, the sweet tea. RHOA has been plagued by divorces since its inception.
- In 2005, cast member Lisa Wu married former NFL player Ed Hartwell. He filed for divorce on August 24, 2011; it was finalized October 7, 2011.
- May 5, 2023 — Former NFL player Kroy Biermann and Kim Zolciak-Biermann each filed for divorce after 11 years of marriage.
- In 2014, Porsha famously divorced former NFL player Kordell Stewart. Per the divorce agreement, she received none of his retirement money or assets.
- 2007 — Shereé Whitfield’s and former NFL player Bob Whitfield divorced after seven years of marriage, just before RHOA’s premiere episode.
Atlanta has so much to do that you need a curated guide to help you sort through it all. Make sure you subscribe to our #ATLHaps newsletter that gives you a weekly tab of Atlanta events you don’t want to miss.
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Movie mogul Tyler Perry was in the midst of an $800 million expansion of his southwest Atlanta movie studio but has stopped it indefinitely due to the advances of artificial intelligence, also known as ai.
Perry, who’s latest film, Mea Culpa is on Netflix, says that ai is something that will radically transform the movie business — and he and others need to be prepared. He mentioned that Sora, Google’s new AI text-to-video platform, is a game-changer.
Tyler Perry Says AI Is ‘Game Changer’ For Movies And More
“Being told that it can do all of these things is one thing, but actually seeing the capabilities, it was mind-blowing,” he told the The Hollywood Reporter. “I had gotten word over the last year or so that this was coming, but I had no idea until I saw recently the demonstrations of what it’s able to do. It’s shocking to me.”
Perry is talking about OpenAI’s Sora project, which has not been officially released, but is still a research project. Some demonstration videos have been making the rounds on social media.
Sora’s latest demonstrations, which have been stunning in their realism and quality.
Perry told the publication that there’s no doubt that jobs will be lost to AI and that is one of the things that concerns him the most. When asked if he’s using AI in his films, Perry says he’s done so already.
“I just used AI in two films that are going to be announced soon. That kept me out of makeup for hours. In post and on set, I was able to use this AI technology to avoid ever having to sit through hours of aging makeup,” he told THP.
Final Word
AI is not coming down the road, it’s already here. Businesses need to prepare themselves.
While AI is sure to take jobs, there will also be an opportunity for professionals to specialize in mastering it to some degree.
See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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If you like to nerd out on the scientific things in life, then you’ll love the Atlanta Science Festival. The event, presented by Delta Air Lines, is one of the best festivals in Atlanta.
When Is The Atlanta Science Festival?
The Atlanta Science Festival takes place March 9 – 23 this year and promises to be a science-filled adventure.
Here’s what’s in store if you decide to attend the festival.
GEORGIA TECH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING DAY
Saturday, 03/09/2024 – 10:00am to 2:00pm
Kickoff the 2024 Atlanta Science Festival with Georgia Tech!
Whether you’re interested in robotics, brains, biology, space, art, nanotechnology, paper, computer science, wearables, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or systems engineering, there will be activities for you!
Visit campus for hands-on STEAM activities, exhibits, demonstrations, opportunities to meet student researchers, learn about the research, and so much more happening at Tech.ANIMALS IN MOTION: BIOMECHANICS DAY AT ZOO ATLANTA
Saturday, 03/09/2024 – 11:00am to 12:00pm
Ever wonder how orangutans swing, or how an elephant trunk works? Join us at Zoo Atlanta to celebrate the diversity of animals on Earth and the incredible ways they move. With help from biomechanics experts at Georgia Tech, guests can participate in live demonstrations and presentations sure to generate excitement about biomechanics and applications in Bio-inspired Design.
ATLANTA FERMENTATION FESTIVAL
Sunday, 03/10/2024 – 12:00pm to 7:00pm
For the love of fermentation! Fermentation Fest in conjunction with Atlanta Science Festival is a family event providing education, hands-on fun, and a diverse experience for all ages.
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024
ADVENTURE LAB AT MASON MILL
Tuesday, 03/12/2024 – 7:00am to 7:00pm
You are invited on a secret adventure on the trails of Mason Mill Park. The Adventure Lab app will guide you to special natural and historic sites in the forest. Using your phone’s GPS technology and your brain, locate the secret destinations, learn about nature, and answer a question to prove you were there.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024
ADVENTURE LAB AT MASON MILL
Wednesday, 03/13/2024 – 7:00am to 7:00pm
You are invited on a secret adventure on the trails of Mason Mill Park. The Adventure Lab app will guide you to special natural and historic sites in the forest. Using your phone’s GPS technology and your brain, locate the secret destinations, learn about nature and more.
Those are just some of the things you’ll learn at the Atlanta Science Festival. Check out the full schedule.
Final Word
The Festival is brought to you by Science ATL and community partners, with generous support from presenting sponsor Delta Air Lines, founding partners Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, as well as other sponsors like NCR Foundation, UPS, Lenz Marketing, Cox Enterprises, Kennesaw State University, Lockheed Martin, Mercer University, and many more.
Atlanta has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year. The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers.
Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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Atlanta’s history is full of treasures that are still with us in one form or another. One of the more astonishing relics from the Jim Crow era is The Negro Travelers’ Green Book: The Guide to Travel and Vacations.
The Green Book was an important part of American-American safety during a period of oppression, racism and discrimination.
The book was first published in 1954 by New York City’s Victor Hugo Green, an African-American who was a mailman and travel writer based in Harlem.
In this article we’re going to look at the most famous Atlanta locations mentioned in The Green Book.
Here Are All The Green Book Locations In Atlanta
Atlanta played a pivotal role in Green Book locations for hotels, restaurants, beauty salons and barber shops.
This list is not an exhaustive one showing all of the Atlanta locations. For that, we recommend you buy the literal Green Book to benefit its publisher. Here it is below:
Not unsurprisingly, many of these sites were located in the Sweet Auburn district. This area was a black section of the city just east of downtown that thrived amid Jim Crow.
Hotel Royal
214 Auburn Ave NE Atlanta, Ga
This hotel located in the Citizens Trust Bank building was originally called the McKay Hotel, but was changed in 1949 to Hotel Royal.One year later, Carrie Cunningham, a former circus performer, bought the Top Hat Club and renamed it Royal Peacock. Under the control of “Mama” Cunningham, it became a top-tier music venue on the “Chitlin Circuit.”Cunningham’s daughter Delois Scott said this about the famed Auburn Avenue institution: ““In some of the articles that have been written about the Royal Peacock, it has been likened to the Apollo, but the Peacock was the Peacock, and the Apollo was the Apollo, in my estimation. Everybody calls the Royal Peacock the ‘incubator’ for artists. When Little Richard first started playing here, he was an unknown. When Ray Charles was first starting out and unknown, he played here. James Brown, unknown. Gladys Knight and Pips, unknown. Nat King Cole played here before he even started singing. He was just playing piano in the Nat King Cole Trio — I have the picture, from those days before he sang.”The Royal Peacock would become a top venue for live performances in the South. The likes of Etta James and more would stop by to hone their skills on their rise to stardom.‘Mack Hotel’
548 Bedford Place, Atlanta, Ga. 30312
Bedford Place no longer exists. It is now Central Park Place and lofts and apartment complexes dot the landscape. This street is in the heart of Midtown Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward.Bedford Place used to be a longtime residential area for blacks under the poverty line. Nearby, there are still some pockets of disenfranchisement that exist.‘Shaw Hotel’
245 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, Ga.
Photo credit: Google Maps From its address, this building appears to be part of a block of buildings constructed by black millionaire entrepreneur and former slave Alonzo Herndon, the founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company.In the Green Book, the listing says “Shaw” for reasons not apparent. I have not been able to find a “Shaw Hotel” in any historical information.Butler Street YMCA
22 Jesse Hill Jr Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Photo credit: aaregistry.com The Butler Street YMCA was known as the “Black City Hall” for much of its existence. In addition to being a meeting place for the city’s black leaders, The Y had some mean basketball going on inside.So much so that a Butler Street YMCA team often scheduled against collegians, according to the Black Fives Foundation, a historical group.Butler Street was later renamed in honor of civil rights activist and businessman Jesse Hill, who actually lived at the YMCA for a time.Waluhaje Hotel Apartments
Photo credit: Google Maps The Waluhaje Hotel Apartments were constructed by Atlanta developer Walter H. “Chief” Aiken in the early 1950s.
The name Waluhaje originated came from combining the first two letters of the names of Aikens (Walter), his wife (Lucy), and two of her siblings (Hazel and Jefferson), according to AtlantaTimeMachine.com.This building now serves as home offices for the Atlanta Job Corps.Suttons restaurant
Photo credit: Google Maps Suttons was a restaurant known across the country as a place African-Americans could get a good home-cooked meal.It was owned by one Scottie Sutton, who was affectionately called “Ma” Sutton.Here’s an account from the book, “Living Atlanta: An Oral History of the City, 1914-1948” by Clifford M. Kuhn on Ma Sutton told by one Horace Sinclair:“They called her Ma Sutton,” recalls Sinclair. “Everybody all over the country would come to Atlanta and go get a decent meal at Ma Sutton’s. She would really set the table. You’d get everything on the table just like you would be at home, serve yourself. You’d have meats and vegetables of all kinds, light rolls, cornbread, coffee, milk or tea. She’d even put preserves on the table, all that stuff.”Paschals Bros restaurant
180 Northside Dr SW #B, Atlanta, GA 3031
837 Hunter St. Atlanta, Ga.
Photo credit: Google Maps The most famous black restaurant in Atlanta, Paschals traces its roots back to 1947. That’s when brothers James and Robert Paschal opened their first location at 831 West Hunter Street.Paschals became an unofficial meeting place for the civil rights movement.Today Paschals is located on Northside Drive in Castleberry Hill section of downtown Atlanta. The famed eatery is one of the best black-owned restaurants in Atlanta.‘The Blackeret’
848 Mayson Turner Rd, Atlanta Ga. 30314
The Blackeret was a tavern located on Mayson Turner Road not far from black Atlanta’s educational center of colleges and universities.
Poro Beauty Parlor
250 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, Ga. 30303
Photo credit: Google Maps The Poro Beauty Parlor sprang up at 250 Auburn Avenue when Ella Martin moved o Atlanta in 1930.
Martin was a representative of the Poro Beauty College founded by black cosmetics pioneer Annie Malone out of St. Louis, according to the book “Historical Roots of the Urban Crisis: Blacks in the Industrial City 1900-1950.”
None other than Madame C.J. Walker began her career in beauty products as a selling agent for Malone’s Poro business. Walker would go on to build her own hair care empire within the African-American community and the world.
Walker’s impact on the U.S. hair care industry is undebatable. Right off Auburn Avenue, the Madam CJ Walker Museum sits at 54 Hilliard St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
Atlanta Daily World
145 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Photo credit: Google Maps The Atlanta Daily World, the city’s oldest black newspaper, has a long and rich history of documenting the plight of African-Americans and the world around them. This was also a place of unrequited truth for blacks traveling through town looking for some news.
The newspaper was founded August 5, 1928 by William Alexander Scott II, a 26-year-old wonderkid with keen business sense.
Headquartered on Auburn Avenue, Scott would go on to circulate The Chattanooga Tribune, The Memphis World, and The Chattanooga Tribune, establishing the first chain of African American newspapers.
Final Thought
Auburn Avenue has been overshadowed lately by other streets with headline-grabbing development, but it holds a special place in the hearts of native Atlantans.
If you have a chance to visit, patronize one of the businesses on Auburn Avenue. Stop in and take a look at The Apex Museum or other historical places there.
And don’t forget to read the book below.
In the 1950s, Auburn Avenue was once known as “the richest Negro street in the world.” The moniker “Sweet Auburn” was purportedly coined by John Wesley Dobbs, the grandfather of the city’s first black mayor Maynard Jackson.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Read More From AtlantaFi.com
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Atlanta movie king Tyler Perry is back with another drama for your streaming pleasure, on Netflix to be exact. He and the stars of the movie recently attended a screening in New York.
The film, which begins streaming on Feb. 23, 2024, centers on an overconfident criminal defense attorney that, in his desire to make it to the top of a law firm, takes on a murder case of an artist.
If you’re a Tyler Perry fan, keep reading. This article is going to tell you all you need to know about Mea Culpa.
Where Was Mea Culpa Filmed?
Mea Culpa was filmed at Tyler Perry Studios in southwest Atlanta. The studio is the home of all of Perry’s productions as well as where he films his projects with Netflix, Amazon Studios and BET+.
The casting calls for Mea Culpa went out June 2023, with several extras and actors cast from the surrounding area.
What Is Mea Culpa About?
Mea Culpa is one part steamy thriller, one part murder mystery. When criminal defense attorney Mea Harper (played by Kelly Rowland) agrees to represent artist Zyair Malloy (played by Trevante Rhodes) in a murder case, she quickly realizes that the truth is far from clear-cut.
As she delves deeper into the case, trying to unravel the innocence or guilt of her enigmatic and alluring client, she discovers that everyone involved is harboring secrets.
Tyler Perry’s Mea Culpa delves into the consequences of unchecked desire, where passions ignite and danger lurks around every corner.
Who Are the Cast Members in Mea Culpa?
The cast of Mea Culpa includes the following actors:
- Kelly Rowland
- Trevante Rhodes
- Kerry Thornton
- Sean Sagar
- Nick Sagar
- RonReaco Lee
- Kerry O’Malley
Tyler said working with Rowland was a dream come true. “I’d been a huge fan for such a long time. Every time I saw her do something, I said, ‘There’s so much more there’ and if we could ever work together,” he told the Today Show.
“I never had an experience where I was working with someone who had so many great ideas to bring to the table,” Tyler said of Rowland. “As a producer, she was fantastic.”
Speaking to Netflix, Rowland said Perry was very positive about any creative ideas she came up with as well. “It was just so easy to work with him and if there was ever any moment where he was uncertain about something, he would say, ‘Well, let’s discuss it and then let’s try it.’ But it was all about communicating.”
Where Can I Watch Mea Culpa?
You can watch Mea Culpa streaming on Netflix.
Final Word
Mea Culpa is the fourth project for Netflix that Perry has done as part of his deal. He also has a four-picture deal with Amazon Studios.
Next on your streaming device will be Six Triple Eight,, which was filmed in Atlanta like the others. Six Triple Eight chronicles the tale o the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to be stationed overseas during World War II. Kerry Washington plays the lead role.
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It’s official: Usher Raymond, 45, has tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea, 40, in Las Vegas. Usher came clean on his Instagram with the release of several photos of the nuptials.
When Did Usher Get Married?
Usher and Jennifer got married on Feb. 11 on Vegas, which is where the singer performed at Super Bowl LVIII. Instead of opting for a huge ceremony with hundreds of people, the couple got hitched via a drive-thru wedding package.
It was reported that Usher’s mother Jonetta Patton witnessed the nuptials and signed the marriage certificate as such.
Goicoechea, who is Italian and Puerto Rican, was reared in Miami.
In an interview with People, Usher said he felt a type of way when fans learned that he had married his first wife, Tameka Foster.
“I think I became very closed and then felt attacked in many ways,” he said. “It was a bit unconventional in a time when I felt like my female fans were judgmental of the woman that I chose.”
Looking back, he says that colorism played a major role.
“She was a dark-skinned woman, and maybe they didn’t want to love her in a way because of maybe some reason that had to do with themselves,” he explained while adding, “I don’t know. Or maybe she was not the best reference because of how she handled herself. That’s not for me to be concerned about. I did my part and what I thought was right.”
He also told People.com that his hit album Confessions was largely based on what his producer Jermaine Dupri was going through, but much of it was his own storyline as well.
“The reality of where it landed and the expression of what that was about, it wasn’t exactly in order of the way or better yet in the moment when I delivered that song,” Usher said. “We go through things in life and sometimes we make decisions based off of what we feel is best or right, and more than likely, will best serve the child. But the reason why I talked about it is because I’m not the only person who will experience that as men.”
Final Word
We at AtlantaFi.com wish the Raymonds all the best not just this weekend, but every Atlanta weekend.
Usher has two sons from a previous relationship with ex-wife Tameka Foster — “Cinco” V and Naviyd Ely — as well as a daughter — Sovereign Bo and a son, Sire Castrello — with his wife, Jenn Goicoechea.
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