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The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival is happening this weekend just in time for springtime goodness in Atlanta — and you don’t want to miss it.
The free event is getting near for those who love Atlanta’s best festivals.
When Is The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival This Year?
The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival is slated for Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, 2025. The time of the festival runs from 10 a.m to 6 p.m.
The festival is taking place at Blackburn Park and us preceded by the Cherry Blossom 5K on Saturday, March 18.
During the festival, children can also enjoy the Kidz Zone. The Classic Car Show takes place Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the main entrance of Blackburn Park
Who’s Performing At The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival This Year?
Performing at the event this year will be:
O.A.R. is the Saturday, March 29, headliner, while Boyz II Men headlines on Sunday, March 30. Additional performers will be announced soon.
“Once again the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival is offering the community the best concert around the state,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Park. “It’s one of my favorite times of year – getting out and enjoying the music, crafts and fun in Blackburn Park with my fellow residents and neighbors.”
If you plan to attend, you should know that there will be no festival parking around Blackburn Park. All local lots and side streets will be posted and vehicles will be subject to towing to alleviate congestion for local residents. No parking will be available at Marist or Montgomery Elementary School.
Where Is The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival Taking Place?
The festival is taking place at Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road in Brookhaven. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Blackburn is a linear park about 0.5 miles long from the shuttle bus stop to the Kidz Zone. Please be prepared to walk a lot when attending the festival. Staff will be utilizing golf carts during the festival and will not be able to give rides to attendees.
Final Word
Aside from a bevy of nice hotels, the city has plenty of nice places to stay and numerous cool things to do.
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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Spencer Strider has been added to the Atlanta Braves starting rotation and looks the part against the Boston Red Sox on Monday.
About Spencer Strider: Braves Star Pitcher
But who is Spencer Strider? Well, for starters, he is a professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on October 26, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio, Strider played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers before being selected by the Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
High School and College Career
Spencer Strider attended Christian Academy of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, for high school. During his time there, he played both baseball and football, showcasing his athletic abilities.
For college, Strider played for the Clemson Tigers at Clemson University in South Carolina. He pitched for Clemson’s baseball team for three seasons (2018–2020), where he made a name for himself as a standout pitcher.
Although his college career was affected by injuries, he showed great promise and was eventually drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
Pro Baseball Career
Strider is known for his strong fastball, often touching triple digits, and his devastating slider. He made his MLB debut for the Braves in 2021 and quickly gained attention for his impressive strikeout ability. He became a key part of the Braves’ pitching staff, contributing significantly to their rotation and bullpen.
In 2022, Strider had a breakout season, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, largely due to his exceptional strikeout numbers and effectiveness on the mound. He’s often praised for his poise, work ethic, and the dominance he brings as a pitcher. His rise has been one of the more exciting stories in recent MLB seasons.
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Burger fans, get ready for some tasty news—Gwinnett Burger Week is back.
For a decade, 23 locally owned restaurants have been dishing out $10 chef-crafted burgers, and this year promises to be the most delicious yet.
When Is Gwinnett Burger Week?
Gwinnett Burger Week runs from March 17–23, 2025, marking its 10th anniversary with a weeklong celebration of burger brilliance.
Gwinnett’s skilled local chefs have spent ten years perfecting their craft, delivering unique, flavor-loaded burgers that keep us coming back for more. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s cooking for this milestone year:
- “KBBQ Burger” at Stäge Kitchen & Bar: A smashed Angus beef patty slathered in Korean BBQ glaze, topped with roasted cheese corn, house-pickled veggies, gochujang mayo, and served on a sesame brioche bun.
- “That’s My Jam Burger” at Old Fountain Tavern: A succulent patty stacked with melty Fontina and Gruyère cheeses, crispy bacon, balsamic onion jam, fresh arugula, and sun-dried tomato mayo, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun.
How To Participate in Gwinnett Burger Week
Want to level up the fun? Sign up for the Gwinnett Burger Week Digital Pass to track your eats and rack up points for a shot at exclusive merch.
The more spots you hit, the more points you score—and the more burgers you get to savor. Visit 10 restaurants, and you’ll earn a spot on the iconic Gwinnett Burger Week Wall of Fame!
Final Word
Atlanta’s got a solid burger scene that’ll satisfy any craving. Just outside the city in Dunwoody, NFA Burger slings a standout smashburger—two Angus patties with crispy edges, American cheese, pickles, mustard, and a killer Sassy Sauce on a soft Martin’s Potato Roll. It’s tucked into a Chevron gas station, but don’t let that fool you; it’s been hyped as one of Georgia’s best for a reason. In town, Grindhouse Killer Burgers is a go-to with multiple locations, like Grant Park, where you can get a juicy, crunchy classic or pile on Southern toppings like pimento cheese or fried green tomatoes. Plenty of spots like these keep Atlanta’s burger game strong—definitely worth a bite if you’re around.
Check out Atlanta’s best burger joints.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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It’s a green-winning weekend in Atlanta as the city celebrates St Patrick’s Day in a major way. Atlanta offers a variety of events to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Here are some notable festivities:
Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM
- Location: Peachtree Street, Midtown Atlanta
- Details: As one of the country’s oldest St. Patrick’s Day parades, dating back to 1858, this event features clowns, floats, bands, bagpipes, dancers, drill teams, and more. The parade begins at 15th and Peachtree and concludes at 5th and Peachtree. Spectators are encouraged to use MARTA to the Midtown or Arts Center stations. Get more details, parade map and more.
Midtown St. Patrick’s Block Party
- Date & Time: Friday, March 14, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Location: Politan Row at Colony Square, 1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30361
- Details: Billed as Atlanta’s largest St. Patrick’s party, attendees can expect live music, food, and dancing.
Marietta Shamrock Shuffle 5K
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 9:30 AM
- Location: Marietta Square
- Details: This 5K walk/run is a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier supporting the Marietta Police Athletic League. Participants can enjoy a day of family fun with various activities suitable for all ages.
Shamrock Fest at Park Tavern
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM
- Location: Park Tavern, 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta
- Details: Attendees can enjoy live music, drink specials, food, and dancing.
Fadó Irish Pub St. Patrick’s Celebration
- Dates: March 15 & 17, 2025
- Location: Fadó Irish Pub, 273 Buckhead Ave., Atlanta
- Details: The outdoor block party on March 15 features live music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, and food and drink specials. The indoor party on March 17 includes live music and a DJ. Note: Must be 21+ for the outdoor block party after 1:00 PM.
St. Patrick’s Streetcar Bar Crawl
- Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
- Location: Wicked Wolf, 1080 Peachtree St NE #7, Atlanta, GA 3030
- Details: Check it out
What Else Is Happening This Weekend in Atlanta?
To find a curated list of the best events happening near you, check out our Atlanta Weekend Guide, which shows you which festivals, parties and other events are on tap.
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Atlanta residents will paint the town green this weekend with the return of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Midtown.
Started in 1858 by the Hibernian Benevolent Society, the parade holds the title as the longest running event in Atlanta history, continuing the tradition of celebrating the city’s Irish culture and history.The parade will begin at noon sharp at the intersection of Peachtree Street and 15th Street and will continue down Peachtree to 5th Street, concluding at 1:30 p.m.
When Is The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Atlanta This Year?
The 141st Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, presented by Irish Network Atlanta, will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Annually, hundreds of attendees line the parade route to witness entertainment from across not only the state but the country. This year thousands of people are expected to participate with units ranging from floats, bands, bagpipe and drum corps to childrens’ groups, Irish dancers, animal groups. A host of Irish and local dignitaries join in the parade as well, such as Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
For local Atlanta parade participants with Irish roots, the parade is a much-anticipated annual tradition. Like the O’Riordan Clan, for example, who for more than five decades has made the St. Patrick’s Parade a family tradition.
This year’s grand marshal is Ireland-native Georgia Tech Football kicker David Shanahan, the first from the country to be awarded a scholarship to play American college football.
PARADE CELEBRATES IRISH HERITAGE, IMPACT IN ATLANTA
The parade is presented by Irish Network Atlanta, the 20th chapter of Irish Network USA, whose mission is to bolster business opportunities and economic development between the U.S. and Ireland; support and encourage the Irish arts, culture and sports in the state; and serve as a conduit between newly arrived Irish immigrants and their communities in member cities and states.
“It is a true honor to have been granted the opportunity to represent our growing Irish community in Atlanta with such a prestigious and longstanding event,” said Sinead Connaughton, president of the Irish Network Atlanta Board of Directors. “The St Patrick’s Parade is the perfect platform to help further our mission and we look forward, with great anticipation, to this year’s event and many more to come.”
The relationship between Ireland and Atlanta has been strong for decades and has only continued to grow in recent years. The level of Irish investment in Georgia is significant with over 20 Irish companies now operating in approximately 80 facilities across the state, employing approximately 6,800 Georgians.
Additionally, according to the Consulate of Ireland in Atlanta, nine percent (9%) of Georgia residents claim Irish and Scots-Irish heritage, with approximately 60,000 in Fulton County.
“The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day parade is the highlight of our year in the city. We welcome all Atlantans to join our celebration of the strength of Ireland-Atlanta connections,” said Consul General Caoimhe Ní Chonchúir.
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We don’t have to tell you that things are getting more expensive in metro Atlanta and Georgia in general.
If you’re an older adult in Atlanta looking for senior food assistance, there are several programs you can tap into depending on your needs and eligibility.
Here’s how to apply for some key options available as of March 2025:
Georgia Senior SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
This program simplifies the SNAP application process for seniors aged 60+ with low income, helping you buy groceries with an EBT card.
- How to Apply:
- Online: Visit Georgia Gateway at gateway.ga.gov. Create an account or log in, then fill out the application. It’s available Monday-Friday, 5 a.m. to midnight, except holidays.
- By Phone: Call the DFCS Customer Contact Center at (877) 423-4746 to apply over the phone. You’ll need to provide your name, address, and household details.
- By Mail: Download Form 508 (Food Stamp/Medicaid/TANF Renewal Form) from dfcs.georgia.gov, complete it, and mail it to Georgia Senior SNAP, P.O. Box 450149, Atlanta, GA 31145-0149, or fax it to (678) 717-5585.
- In Person: Take your completed application to your local Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office. Find the nearest one at dfcs.georgia.gov/locations.
- What You’ll Need: Proof of income (like Social Security or retirement benefits), resources, rent/mortgage costs, and utility bills. After applying, expect a phone or in-person interview with a DFCS case manager.
- Eligibility Tip: You qualify if your household is all 60+, not working, on a fixed income, and meets income limits (generally below 165% of the poverty line).
Atlanta Community Food Bank Assistance
The Atlanta Community Food Bank partners with Georgia DFCS to help seniors apply for SNAP and find local food pantries.
- How to Apply:
- SNAP Help: Call (678) 553-5917 for English/Spanish assistance or schedule an appointment at acfb.org to apply in person at 3400 N Desert Dr, East Point, GA 30344. A Benefits Coordinator will guide you through the Georgia Gateway process.
- Find a Pantry: Use their online tool at acfb.org/find-help or text “FINDFOOD” (or “COMIDA” for Spanish) to (888) 976-2232 for pantry locations—no application needed for immediate food aid.
- What You’ll Need: For SNAP, bring income and expense docs; for pantries, just show up (some may ask for ID or proof of residency).
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
This federal program provides monthly food boxes to low-income seniors 60+ via local agencies like the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
- How to Apply: Contact the Atlanta Community Food Bank at (404) 892-9822 or visit acfb.org to connect with CSFP distribution sites in counties like Fulton, DeKalb, or Gwinnett.
- What You’ll Need: Proof of age (60+), income, and residency. Availability varies by county, so call to confirm.
How To Get Food Assistance: Tips
- Start Early: Processing times vary—SNAP can take 30 days (or 7 for expedited cases), so apply ASAP.
- Need Help?: The Latin American Association offers bilingual support at (404) 638-1839.
- Check Status: For SNAP, log into Georgia Gateway or call (877) 423-4746.
Which program sounds like the best fit for you? I can walk you through any of these in more detail!
- How to Apply:
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Another week, another winter storm watch for Georgia.
A Winter Weather Advisory was issued for the North Georgia mountains and Northwest Georgia early Wednesday morning, Feb. 19.
That means some of Atlanta’s northern counties will likely get a few hours of snow and sleet. For Metro Atlanta, expect freezing rain.
Local forecasters say the worst weather will come between 5 and 7 a.m.
If you live in Metro Atlanta, you should plan on a cold rain for the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service, “Light snow is forecast in far north Georgia on Wednesday. Totals will generally be a half an inch or less, but a few places above 2500 ft could see close to an inch. Be prepared for slick roadways.”
How To Drive in Rainy Conditions
Driving in rainy conditions can be challenging and dangerous if not done carefully. Here are some essential tips to stay safe:
Before You Drive:
- Check Your Tires: Ensure they have good tread depth and proper inflation for maximum traction.
- Test Your Wipers & Lights: Make sure your windshield wipers work effectively and turn on your headlights for visibility.
- Plan Ahead: Give yourself extra time to reach your destination, as wet roads can cause delays.
While Driving:
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed to maintain control and prevent hydroplaning.
- Increase Following Distance: Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead to allow more stopping time.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Brake, accelerate, and turn gradually to prevent skidding.
- Use Defrosters: Keep your windshield clear of fog to maintain visibility.
- Stay in the Middle Lane: Water tends to pool in outer lanes, increasing the risk of hydroplaning.
If You Hydroplane:
- Stay Calm: Don’t panic or slam on the brakes.
- Ease Off the Gas: Let your car slow down naturally.
- Steer Gently: Keep your steering steady and avoid sudden movements until you regain traction.
Extra Precautions:
- Avoid Standing Water: Large puddles may hide potholes or cause your car to stall.
- Beware of Flooded Roads: Never drive through deep water, as it can damage your engine or sweep your vehicle away.
- Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists: Rain reduces visibility, so be extra cautious.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risks associated with driving in the rain and ensure a safer journey.
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Black women entrepreneurs have been contending above their weight in Atlanta, Georgia when it comes to business, and not just here in Georgia, but across America.
According to a survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, only 21.4% of U.S. businesses are owned by women. In Atlanta, you may be curious to know what companies out there are black women-led businesses.
Support These Women-Led Businesses In Atlanta
For Black History Month, we will show you some of the women-led businesses Atlanta has so that you can patronize them. We’ve sourced many of these women-led Atlanta businesses from Instagram, one of the leading social media platforms in the world.
Let’s go….
3 Parks Wine Shop
451 Bill Kennedy Way SE Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30316 | (678) 349-7070
Sarah Pierre is the owner and managing partner of 3 Parks Wine Shop on Atlanta’s east side. Sarah knows her stuff and can show you the best wine for the occasion.How to Shop: 3parkswine.comDivine Dermatology
View this post on InstagramDr. Tunisia Cornelius, MD, FAAD runs a premier full-service skincare center at The Beacon development in Atlanta’s Grant Park neighborhood. Check it out at 1039 Grant St SE suite a-11, Atlanta, GA 30315.Thicc Sticc
View this post on InstagramThicc Sticc, an early stage personal care brand startup based in Atlanta, is building their community so that they can sell products to those who engage with them.Luxefitt Co.
View this post on InstagramLuxxefit specializes in affordable bras for larger-chested women.Courtnie Kidd
View this post on InstagramThe business offers a Collection of Handcrafted Goods.
How to Support: Vida VIISustainAble Home Goods & Accessories
View this post on InstagramSustainAble Home Goods & Accessories partners with artisan entrepreneurs to bring their shared vision of durable products and sustainability to fruition. The business is located at 10625 Serenbe Ln. Unit C, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268.
Where to Shop: YourSustainableHome.com
Kandi Burruss
Kandi Burruss is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Georgia. Not only is she a successful singer and songwriter, but she also opens a retail store called Tags, a sex toy line branded as Kandi Coated and is the co-owner of Blaze Steak & Seafood in southwest Atlanta.
How to Support: TagsATL | BedroomKandi.com | Blaze Steak & Seafood
Arie Nicole | Fashion Footwear
View this post on InstagramHere’s what the single mother of four did to become success, according to Instagram. “How did I do it? With dedication and sacrifice….Opening my footwear store @shoparienicolefootwear in Atlanta was both exciting and scary at the same time but I knew that this was my beginning. I packed all that excitement and fear into one cup and added some sacrifice, persistence amongst many other things and turned my little small footwear boutique into a very lucrative small business. I’m thankful and grateful for every lesson and every dollar along the way. I know there’s more to come.”
Where to Shop: ArieNicole.comBites And Bevs Photography
View this post on Instagram
Madylnn E. Ross owns Bites and Bevs Photography. Here’s what she wrote recently on IG: “Food and beverage photography started out as a hobby 5 years ago and with the support of my friends, family and especially my fiancé, I have been able to make it my career. Covid took my clients thus me out last year, but by the grace of God and living in a open af city lol I’ve been back in full swing! Grateful. Cheers!”How to Support: madelynneross.com
Cherishingflo
View this post on InstagramSocial Media Coach and Manager for service based businesses, solopreneurs, and influencers!
Holland Group PR
View this post on InstagramHolland Group PR is a consultant agency that operates out of Atlanta and Chattanooga. They specialize in:
- Public Relations
- Brand Strategy
- Experiential Events
Operated by Kishana Holland, here’s what she says on IG: “Every business relationship is NOT a perfect fit, nor should it be. Realize what works for you & your business. And thank GOD for protection over what was never meant for you.”
How to Support: flowcode.com/page/hollandgrouppr
Dr. Aja Nicole
View this post on InstagramLifestyle Dentistry/Smyrna, GA
Home of the affordable Hollywood smile! Here’s Dr. Nicole’s message on IG:”Oh my gosh, back at it again”
Named “Metro Atlanta’s Coolest Dentist” by People You Need To Know Magazine.”How to Support: lifestyledentistryatl.com
Nicolette Michele
View this post on InstagramNicolette Michele is a high-profile social media manager in Atlanta. She specializes in:- Instagram Management
- Design
- She is the founder of @savvysocialite.co
Here’s what she says on IG: “When all that you could’ve ever imagined begins to unfold before your eyes all of a sudden there’s DISBELIEF. Why is that? We get so caught up in fearlessly desiring a multitude of things but when it happens we can’t wrap out heads around it.”How to Support: savvysocialiteandco.com/links
VBS Photographer
View this post on InstagramVBS Photography offers business and personal services, which include branding, headshots, professional headshots, and lifestyle portraits.Here’s what it says on VBS Photographer’s IG: “Let me help you tell your brand story through custom branding photography. I want to capture the essence of who you are, your personality, personal style and the work you love to do!”
How to Support: Email vbsohotography90@gmail www.vbsphotography.com.The Boss Architect
View this post on InstagramKendra Lewis is the Boss Architect. Here’s what she says on IG: “Entrepreneurship is not a solo sport it takes a village to run a successful business and your willingness to lean on that village.”
How To Support: training.kendrajlewis.com/live
Shapely Beauty Spa
View this post on InstagramHere’s what she says on IG: “I remind myself everyday “A negative mind will never give you a positive life”. So as I started to speak life & positivity into my dreams, I began to see my business blossom more & more each day. It’s all about believing in you.”
This business offers the following services:
- 𝙱𝚘𝚍𝚢 𝚂𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚙𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚂𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜
- 𝚄𝚕𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚘𝚗
- 𝙻𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚛𝙻𝚒𝚙𝚘
- 𝙱𝚞𝚝𝚝 𝙴𝚗𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝
- 𝙳𝚎𝚝𝚘𝚡 𝚃𝚎𝚊𝚜
- 𝚆𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚢
- 𝚂𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚃𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐
- 𝚆𝚊𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚃𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚜
How to support: Shop at shapelybeautyspa.com
Papier Doll Factory
View this post on InstagramThis business specializes in:
- Accessory Aficionado
- Photo Shoot Expert
- She helps women entrepreneurs SHOW UP online & in-person.
Where to Shop: Linktr.ee/papierdoll
Style By Melissa J.
Photo credit: Instagram Published Wardrobe Stylist and image consultant.
How to Support: Shop at melissajyoung.com
Glamorousanjewelz
View this post on InstagramGlamorous jewelry and accessories for the woman that dares to be different. We are all about being confident and embracing who you are.
“Be a ray of sunshine,” she says on her IG.
How to Support: Shop at glamorousanjewelz.com.Slutty Vegan (Pinky Cole)
View this post on InstagramPinky Cole has created a vegan food empire that began as a singular food truck. Now she’s doing million-dollar deals to expand her Slutty Vegan restaurants up and down the East Coast.North Atlanta Makeup Artist
View this post on InstagramBeauty, Cosmetic & Personal Care.How to support: tmbeauty.netThe Wig Dr. Hair Loss Center
View this post on InstagramThis business specializes in:- Luxe Wig Boutique East Cobb, Georgia
- Medical Wigs & Toppers. Offering Hair Loss Solutions & Medical Wigs
- Seen on The Drew Barrymore Show W/Gab Union
Dr. Erica Gamble saw wigs as a striking fashion accessory from an early age. But after a successful career and an earned doctorate degree, she decided to make an impact and change lives. The Wig Dr. doesn’t just provide wigs for men, women and children – it services a community of people losing hair due to Alopecia, Chemotherapy or other autoimmune diseases.
How to Support: wigdr.com
Yandy Smith-Harris
View this post on InstagramReality TV star Yandy Smith-Harris relocated to Atlanta a while back and has been focused on her skin care line.Here’s Yandy’s message: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment take the moment and make it perfect.”Where to Shop: Yelle.comHow Women-Owned Businesses Can Grow Their Businesses
Women-owned businesses can grow their businesses by applying for loans and grants with the Small Business Association (SBA).
The SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership is designed to aid women entrepreneurs through programs coordinated by SBA district offices. Programs include:
- Business training
- Counseling
- Federal contracts
- Access to credit and capital
How You Can Support Women Businesses In Atlanta
One way you can support women-led businesses is by promoting them on your social media. You can use such hashtags as:
Let’s not stop there. Raise awareness about women-led businesses by spreading the word among your network on the web as well as at home, work and school.
Final Word
Atlanta is full of amazing people doing some truly amazing things. No matter what you do, continue to support them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Georgia’s largest city has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
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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The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. rightfully received tons of credit and recognition from his supporters, but none were more important to him than his wife, the late Coretta Scott King.
Not only is she one of the most iconic women to ever live in America, but along with her husband, she continues to be a charismatic force for good across the world.
You may know that she lived most of her adult life in Atlanta, Georgia, but there’s so much more you may not know. This article will shed some light on the woman behind one of modern history’s most respected leaders.
Best Coretta Scott King Quotes
Mrs. King left us with some indelible quotes that continue to inspire and motivate us years later. Here are some of her best quotes.
On Hate: Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.On Freedom: Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.On the importance of women in the movement: Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.On humanity: I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation.On her in-laws: Mama and Daddy King represent the best in manhood and womanhood, the best in a marriage, the kind of people we are trying to become.Here Are 11 Things You May Not Know About Coretta Scott King
Coretta Scott was born in 1927 in Helberger, Alabama, about 40 miles northwest of Selma. Coretta‘s parents were Obadiah Scott and Bernice McMurry Scott.
She Was Valedictorian Of Her High School Class
Mrs. King was super-smart! She graduated as a valedictorian from Lincoln Normal School in 1945.
The school, which closed in 1970, was founded in 1867 by freed slaves as a school for black children.
Coretta Scott King Was Musically Inclined
As a young person, Mrs. King was skilled at playing various instruments in high school. She played trumpet and piano, sang in the chorus, and participated in school musicals.
When she enrolled at Antioch College, she studied music. She later would make history as she became the first non-white chair of an academic department in a historically white college.
She would later transfer from Antioch to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. That’s when she would meet her future husband.
She Babysat A Famous Actor
As a young professional, Mrs. King took up babysitting as a means to earn some extra cash. One family that employed her were the Lithgows family. Coretta would go on to babysit John Lithgow, who went on to become a famous actor in Hollywood.
(Another fun fact is that Lithgow is actor Brad Pitt’s uncle.)
Coretta Changed Her Wedding Vows
When the Kings were married, during the wedding there was one unique variation of the wedding vows: In an unusual move, Coretta had the vow to obey her husband removed from the ceremony.
Obviously, this didn’t mean a thing to MLK, who loved his wife more than anything in the world.
She Played A Major Role In The Passing Of The Civil Rights Act
Contrary to popular belief, Mrs. King was as much as a civil rights leader as her husband. She did as much as anybody to help get the Civil Rights Act passed.
“Not enough attention has been focused on the roles played by women in the struggle. By and large, men have formed the leadership in the civil rights struggle but…women have been the backbone of the whole civil rights movement,” she reportedly said.
After MLK’s Assassination, Coretta Sought A Woman To Take Her Place In the Movement
Not long after her husband’s assassination in 1968, Coretta approached the African American entertainer and activist Josephine Baker to take her husband’s place as leader of The Civil Rights Movement. After many days of thinking it over Baker declined, stating that her twelve adopted children (known as the “rainbow tribe”) were ” … too young to lose their mother.”[5] Shortly after that Coretta decided to take the helm of the movement herself.
She Founded The King Center In Atlanta
It is said that two days after MLK’s death, Mrs. King began plans to honor her husband with a lasting memorial.
As a leader of the movement, King founded the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta. She served as the center’s president and CEO
from its inception until she passed the reins of leadership to son Dexter Scott King. Today the King Center is the official memorial dedicated to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and center of nonviolent social change.
She Petitioned For Years For MLK Day
As far back as 1972, Mrs. King envisioned a national holiday to honor her husband.She openly opined that there should be a day on the American calendar to honor a black man “and, at this point, Martin is the best candidate we have.”
She petitions were eventually successful in 1986, when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was made a federal holiday by President Ronald Reagan.
Oprah Helped Her Find A New Place To Live
In the 1990s, Mrs. King’s home has been hit by several burglaries, including one in which the intruder encountered her sleeping in her bed. After the incidents were highly publicized in the newspapers, media maven Oprah Winfrey paid for her to move into an expensive condo in Buckhead. Former tenants included Elton John and Janet Jackson.
There Is Also A Coretta Scott King Center
In 2005, Mrs. King gifted the use of her name to her alma mater, Antioch College at Yellow Springs, to create the Coretta Scott King Center, an experiential learning resource to address issues of race, class, gender, diversity, and social justice.
She Died In Another Country
After a series of mild strokes, Coretta Scott King traveled to Mexico to begin at the rehabilitation center in Rosarito Beach. She checked in under a fake name, but her real identity soon became known to her caretakers.
Inside the Oasis Hospital, she underwent holistic therapy for her stroke and advanced-stage ovarian cancer. She died on the late evening of January 30, 2006.
Conclusion
Coretta Scott King is one of the iconic figures of the 20th century. She will always be known as the heart and soul of the civil rights movement, but she was much more. She was a dedicated servant, leader, author, humanitarian, mother and American matriarch.
Other women of the movement helped to shape the world we live in right now. What they didn’t tell you about Rosa Parks.
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
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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If you’re a fan of oysters (we are!) you’re going to love what’s cracking in February’s largest oyster fest: Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest.
The event is going to be filled with cold brews, cocktails, oysters, seafood from the Louisiana Gulf Coast and live music.
Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest: What To Know
Atlanta’s original Oysterfest is back for its 37th year, taking place on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the corner of Peachtree Street and 12th Street in Midtown, just two blocks from the Steamhouse Lounge’s iconic beach house.
Weekend tickets are on sale now for $25, plus fees, and include two days of live music. Single-day tickets for Sunday are available for $20, plus fees. Advance tickets can be purchased at steamhouselounge.com.
The event is for ages 21 and up, but festival-goers under 21 are permitted when accompanied by an adult 25 or older.
All attendees over 12 are required to have a ticket for entry. Please note that Oysterfest is cashless; all transactions at the gates, bars, and restaurants will only accept credit or debit cards. Attendees are encouraged to take MARTA to the 10th Street Midtown Station for convenience.
The festival will offer fresh oysters, seafood from the Louisiana Gulf Coast, Steamhouse’s legendary lobster bisque, and beverages available for purchase at bars and stations throughout the festival grounds.
The 37th Annual Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest benefits the Atlanta Leadership Club, Shells To Shore, and Giving Kitchen.
Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest: Music Lineup
The festival will feature a lineup of musical talent from across the country, including performances by Davis & The Love, Dumpstaphunk, Francisco Vidal, The Happy Hour, Kranberries, The Nth Power, Smokey Jones and The 3 Dollar Pistols, and Sucker Punch.
Explore Your Atlanta
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!
While it’s warm, take advantage of the outdoors. Don’t miss these awesome festivals.
The fun is just starting. Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit a craft brewery in the city.
Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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