Category: Culture

As Atlanta prepares to honor one of its most iconic native sons in the days ahead, a national report highlights that two Southern states—Mississippi and Alabama—still combine the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Robert E. Lee Day on the same date.

Here in Georgia, state offices, schools, and many businesses across metro Atlanta will close on Monday, January 19, 2026, solely in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Georgia long ago moved away from linking any commemoration of the Confederate general to the federal holiday celebrating Dr. King, who was born in Atlanta on January 15, 1929, and whose legacy of nonviolent civil rights activism continues to shape the city and nation.

The practice of combining the two observances dates back to the 1980s in certain states, when lawmakers added the new federal MLK holiday (first observed in 1986) to an existing state holiday marking Lee’s birth on January 19, 1807.

Efforts in Mississippi and Alabama to separate the holidays or remove the Lee designation have repeatedly failed in recent legislative sessions. Har tip to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger for wring about this.

MLK Day in Georgia

By contrast, Georgia reformed its holiday calendar years ago. What was once listed in some contexts as a day tied to Lee is now simply observed as an unnamed state holiday on the day after Thanksgiving (a date shared with Black Friday shopping in 2026).

The state no longer ties any Confederate figure to the January MLK observance.

In Atlanta, the focus this week remains firmly on Dr. King’s life and work.

The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change has announced a full schedule of events for the 2026 King Holiday Observance, running from January 12 through January 19. Highlights include:

• The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday March and Rally on Monday, January 19, assembling at 1:00 PM at the corner of Baker and Peachtree streets in downtown Atlanta.
• Special recognitions for honorees such as Viola Davis (Coretta Scott King Soul of the Nation Award), Billie Eilish (Environmental Justice Award), philanthropist Robert F. Smith (Salute to Greatness Humanitarian Award), and others.
• Community services, vesper services, forums, and more at locations including Ebenezer Baptist Church, Morehouse College, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Federal offices, banks, and many private employers in the Atlanta area will also observe the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with no official recognition of Robert E. Lee attached.

Final Words

While some Southern states maintain other Confederate-related observances on different dates (such as Confederate Memorial Day in April in several states), Georgia’s approach emphasizes Dr. King’s birthday as a standalone day of reflection, service, and unity.

Residents are encouraged to check local event listings and participate in volunteer opportunities across metro Atlanta to mark the occasion in the spirit of Dr. King’s teachings.

In the early 20th century, Georgia’s economy was deeply tied to cotton farming, a legacy of the state’s agrarian roots.

But the arrival of a tiny insect known as the boll weevil, combined with plummeting cotton prices and a severe drought, triggered a catastrophic agricultural collapse in the 1920s.

Historian Carolyn Merchant (2002) noted: “the entire economy of the South was at risk,” adding that “Although the new methods were helpful, they were also expensive, and the combination of declining yields and higher costs drove many farmers out of business.”

This period of devastation reshaped Georgia’s landscape, forcing farmers to adapt and diversify. Here’s a breakdown of what happened, why it mattered, and its lasting impact on the Peach State.

What is the Boll Weevil?

The boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) is a small beetle native to Mexico that feeds on cotton plants. It bores into cotton bolls – the seed pods where cotton fiber grows – laying eggs and destroying the crop from the inside.

By the 1920s, this pest had become the most economically damaging agricultural insect in U.S. history.

Economist S. W. Bilsing (1935) commented: “The forced change in the production of cotton due to the advent of the boll weevil resulted in the reorganization of our system of agriculture; indirectly to diversified farming, and in a well organized system of imparting scientific information to a large part of the agricultural population of the South.”

First detected in Texas in the late 1800s, it spread eastward across the Cotton Belt, reaching Georgia by 1915.

Arrival and Spread in Georgia

The boll weevil crossed into Georgia around 1915, quickly infesting cotton fields statewide. At the time, Georgia was the nation’s leading cotton producer, with a record 5.2 million acres planted in 1914.

The pest’s arrival couldn’t have come at a worse time, as World War I had initially boosted cotton demand, but postwar surpluses led to a sharp price drop. By 1923, yield losses from the weevil had halved cotton acreage to just 2.6 million acres.

The infestation was so severe that by the 1930s, annual damage across the Cotton Belt exceeded $200 million, with Georgia’s cotton production dropping to only 45% of pre-infestation levels.

Economists Roger Ransom and Richard Sutch (1977) observed: “It required a shock nearly equal to emancipation to jolt the agrarian South out of the routine it followed for the four post-emancipation decades. That shock was the coming of the boll weevil.”

In Georgia during the 1930s, this manifested in farmers abandoning old practices, with corn acreage rising 20% post-infestation, though on less fertile land, and real land values declining 10-40% in cotton-heavy counties.

The Perfect Storm: Boll Weevil, Drought, and Economic Pressures

The boll weevil alone was devastating, but it coincided with other crises that amplified the collapse. Cotton prices plunged in the early 1920s due to overproduction and reduced global demand after World War I.

Then, in 1925, Georgia endured one of the worst droughts of the century, scorching fields and further decimating yields.

This “perfect storm” hit tenant farmers and sharecroppers hardest – many of whom were already in debt and reliant on cotton as a cash crop.

Agricultural expert J. H. Soule (1921) warned: “The boll weevil has disturbed our economic situation more than any other single factor since the conclusion of the Civil War; it is a pest of as great a magnitude as any which afflicted the Egyptians in the olden days.”

This sentiment echoed into the 1930s, as Georgia’s cotton production hit lows, exacerbating the Great Depression’s effects with poor harvests devastating wages for pickers and the rural poor.

The economic fallout was profound. The weevil reduced the number of tenant farms, lowered farm wages, and decreased female labor force participation, especially in heavily infested counties.

Countless families faced destitution, contributing to the Great Migration of African Americans and poor whites from rural Georgia to northern cities in search of work.

In Atlanta, the influx of rural migrants strained urban resources, but it also diversified the city’s workforce and culture.

Statewide, the agricultural sector – which employed a majority of Georgians – crumbled, foreshadowing the national Great Depression that began in 1929.

Responses to the Crisis

Farmers and scientists fought back with a mix of strategies. Early efforts included applying toxic pesticides like calcium arsenate, though these often led to environmental issues and secondary pest problems.

Cultural practices, such as planting early-maturing varieties, destroying stalks after harvest, and improving soil fertility, helped mitigate damage.

In some areas, like southwest Georgia, the crisis spurred diversification into peanuts and other crops, thanks to innovators like George Washington Carver.

Long-term, the Boll Weevil Eradication Program, launched in the 1980s, used pheromones, traps, and integrated pest management to eliminate the pest from Georgia by the early 1990s.
This not only revived cotton production – with acreage rebounding to over 1 million by the 2010s – but also reduced insecticide use by 75% and promoted sustainable farming.

Legacy in Georgia Today

The 1920s agricultural collapse taught Georgia a hard lesson about overreliance on a single crop, leading to greater diversification in farming and industry.

While cotton remains important, the state’s economy now includes peanuts, poultry, and manufacturing.

The boll weevil even became a cultural symbol – immortalized in songs and stories as both a villain and a catalyst for change.

Final Word

In Atlanta, echoes of this era can be seen in our vibrant migrant-descended communities and ongoing efforts to support rural economies.

For more on Georgia’s history, check out our archives or visit the New Georgia Encyclopedia. If you have family stories from this time, share them in the comments below!

Atlanta’s R&B scene is buzzing today after hometown hero Young Thug proposed to singer Mariah the Scientist during his sold-out Hometown Hero benefit concert last night.

The romantic moment, which unfolded onstage in front of thousands of fans, has the city celebrating one of its favorite power couples.

Mariah the Scientist Gets Engaged To Young Thug

Mariah the Scientist, born Mariah Amani Buckles on October 27, 1997, is a true Atlanta native. Raised in southwest Atlanta, she grew up immersed in the city’s rich R&B culture before moving to New York to pursue higher education.

The 28-year-old artist, known for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics, has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary R&B.

Her journey to stardom began in 2018 with the release of her debut project To Die For, which showcased her emotional depth and melodic talent. At the time, Mariah was a pre-med biology student at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, on track to become an anesthesiologist.

But after her early songs gained traction online, she made the bold decision to leave school and focus on music full-time.

Since then, Mariah has released acclaimed albums like RY RY World (2021) and built a dedicated fanbase with hits blending vulnerability and strength. Her 2025 singles “Burning Blue” and “Is It a Crime?” (featuring Kali Uchis) marked her first Billboard Hot 100 entries as a lead artist, solidifying her rise in the industry.

Mariah’s relationship with fellow Atlanta rapper Young Thug (Jeffery Lamar Williams) has been in the spotlight for years.

The couple went public around 2021 and have navigated highs and lows together, including Young Thug’s high-profile legal battles. He was released in October 2024 after accepting a plea deal, marking a new chapter for the artist.

Last night’s proposal came as a surprise during Young Thug’s first major hometown show since his release. Midway through the performance, he got down on one knee and presented Mariah with a stunning pink diamond ring.

An emotional Mariah accepted, later sharing with the crowd, “Guess I’m getting married!” Photos and videos from the event quickly went viral, showing Mariah holding back tears as she admired her new bling.

Final Word

As two of Atlanta’s brightest stars tie the knot, the city couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations to Mariah the Scientist and Young Thug on their engagement – here’s to more music, love, and Atlanta magic from this dynamic duo!

More from AtlantaFi.com:

• Gunna Speaks Out About Relationship With Young Thug
• Atlanta Artists Who Performed in Front of Atlanta Crowds
• Gucci Mane Opens Up About Mental Health Disorder

Atlanta has always been a city of hustle, but long before tech bros and film studios, some of our sharpest minds were quietly building the future in garages, basements, and laboratories right here in the Peach State.

Here are six Atlanta-area inventors whose creations still touch your life—whether you’re sipping a Coke downtown or streaming music on your phone.

1. Dr. John S. Pemberton – Coca-Cola

Most people know the story: a pharmacist from Columbus who moved to Atlanta after being wounded in the Civil War. In 1886, while searching for a headache remedy, Pemberton (1831–1888) mixed coca leaves, kola nuts, sugar, and a secret blend of oils in a three-legged brass kettle in his Jacobs’ Pharmacy lab on Peachtree Street.

The result? Coca-Cola, originally sold as a “brain tonic” for 5¢ a glass.

By the time of his death two years later, the drink was already Atlanta’s most famous export. Today the World of Coca-Cola downtown still honors the man who accidentally invented the world’s most recognized brand.

2. Asa Griggs Candler – The Modern Coca-Cola Company

Yes, Pemberton created the syrup, but Atlanta druggist and marketing genius Asa Candler (1851–1929) bought the rights in 1888 for about $2,300 and turned a local tonic into an international empire.

Candler pioneered bottled soda, nationwide franchising, and some of the earliest mass-media advertising.

By 1916 he was Atlanta’s first self-made millionaire and would later become mayor. Without Candler’s business innovations, there’s no red truck, no Santa ads, and probably no Olympic sponsorship in 1996.

3. Dr. Crawford W. Long – Surgical Anesthesia (the very first use of ether)

Though he practiced in Jefferson, Georgia (about 60 miles northeast of Atlanta), Crawford Long (1815–1878) was an Atlanta-trained physician (University of Georgia and later in Atlanta hospitals) who, on March 30, 1842, removed a tumor from a patient’s neck while the patient was under diethyl ether anesthesia—the first documented case of painless surgery.

Long didn’t publish his findings quickly enough to win the public credit battle (that went to Boston’s William Morton), but historians now agree the Georgian was first.

The Crawford W. Long Museum in Jefferson and the statue of him on the State Capitol grounds remind us that modern surgery owes its start to a quiet country doctor from the Atlanta orbit.

4. Dr. Lonnie Johnson – The Super Soaker

Yes, the best-selling water gun of all time was invented right here. The inventor? Dr. Lonnie Johnson (b. 1949) of southwest Atlanta.

A nuclear engineer who worked on the Galileo mission to Jupiter and the Stealth Bomber program at the Air Force’s nuclear lab in Marietta, Johnson came up with the idea for a high-pressure water gun while testing a new type of heat pump in his Cascade Heights bathroom in 1982.

A accidental high-powered squirt across the room led to seven years of tinkering in his basement workshop.

Patented in 1989 and licensed to Larami, the Super Soaker earned Johnson over $1 billion in royalties and made him one of the wealthiest African-American inventors in history.

He still lives in Atlanta and now funds STEM education through his Johnson Research & Development company in Vinings.

5. Eugene Stoner & Robert Fremont – The AR-15/AR Platform

While most people associate the AR-15 with later military use, the original ArmaLite AR-15 rifle was designed in the 1950s by Eugene Stoner (1922–1997) — who moved to Georgia in the 1980s — and a small team that included Atlanta-born engineer Robert Fremont (1919–2008).

Much of the final development and early testing of the lightweight, modular rifle happened after ArmaLite set up a research division in the Atlanta area.

Adopted by the U.S. military as the M16, the platform remains the most widely produced rifle design in history—and its civilian variants are everywhere. Love it or hate it, the black rifle that dominates modern firearms culture has deep Georgia DNA.

Final Word

From pain relief to billion-dollar beverages, from airport walkways to backyard water wars, Atlanta inventors have been quietly shaping daily life for over 180 years.

Next time you grab a Coke, dodge a Super Soaker blast, or jog across a moving walkway at the world’s busiest airport, tip your hat to the tinkerers who made it all possible—right here at home.

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As Atlanta’s holiday season kicks into high gear— with Thanksgiving just two days away on November 27 and Christmas on the horizon—local restaurants are rolling out their most festive menus yet.

Whether you’re craving a traditional turkey dinner, a lavish buffet, or creative twists on holiday classics, we’ve curated a selection of standout options for dine-in and takeout across the city. From Southern staples to international flair, these spots promise memorable meals.

Atlanta Restaurants Get Merry With Holiday Menus

Starting this Friday, November 28, Culinary Dropout Perimeter and both North Italia locations (Buckhead and Perimeter) are rolling out festive cocktails, desserts, and limited-time menus guaranteed to keep your spirits bright through the new year.

Culinary Dropout Perimeter Turns Up the Holiday Cheer with ‘Bar Blitzen’

Culinary Dropout at The Works in Upper Westside and its Perimeter is transforming into a winter wonderland with the debut of Bar Blitzen – a lineup of over-the-top holiday cocktails and desserts launching Friday, November 28.

Check out the menu here.

Standout sips include:

• Espress Ho Ho Ho Tini ($16) – A festive spin on the classic espresso martini made with your choice of Gran Centenario Reposado tequila or Three Olives vodka, Italian espresso liqueur, Spanish vanilla liqueur, and topped with spiced cold foam.
• Dropout & Mrs. Mint ($16) – Vanilla-infused Belvedere vodka meets white chocolate, cream, and a refreshing kiss of peppermint schnapps.
• Nochebuena Margarita ($16) – Patrón Silver tequila shaken with spiced peach, passion fruit, and fresh lime for a bright, tropical take on the holiday margarita.

These limited-time cocktails pair perfectly with Culinary Dropout’s new seasonal menu items like the Meatloaf Sloppy Joe, Caramelized Banana Bar dessert, and Sweater Weather Sangria.

North Italia Buckhead & Perimeter Welcome Guests to ‘Bar North Pole’

Both North Italia locations are decking the halls with Bar North Pole – an eight-drink holiday cocktail menu running from November 28 through December 31.

The lineup features six “Naughty List” cocktails and two “Nice List” zero-proof options, all priced at just $10 each during opening weekend (November 28–30).

Check out the menu here.

Naughty List cocktails:

• Sweater Weather (Pinot Grigio)
• Jingle Bell Rock (Aperol)
• Sleigh Ride (vodka)
• Santa’s Nightcap (rye)
• Rudolph’s Replacement (tequila)
• The Naughty List (vanilla vodka)

Nice List zero-proof:

• White Elephant Gift (Seedlip non-alcoholic spirit)
• Cocoa Claus (rich dark chocolate crème)

$25 Holiday Lunch Prix Fixe at North Italia (Now – December 23)

Need a quick, delicious lunch during the holiday rush? North Italia’s nationwide Holiday Lunch Prix Fixe is back and better than ever. For just $25, guests can enjoy a small plate + entrée combo daily from open until 4 p.m. (available for dine-in and online ordering).

Menu highlights include seasonal favorites like Sunday Night Lasagna and Arancini, plus exclusive dishes such as Chicken Parmigiana Verde, Bruschetta Duo, and the Brussels Sprout & Medjool Date Pizza.

Whether you’re gathering with friends, grabbing a festive lunch, or just in need of a holiday cocktail (or three), Culinary Dropout Perimeter and North Italia Buckhead & Perimeter have you covered this season.

Bar Blitzen and Bar North Pole both kick off Friday, November 28. Reservations recommended – these specials won’t last forever!

Check out the holiday menu here.

Culinary Dropout Perimeter
3850 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342

North Italia Buckhead
3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

North Italia Perimeter
4600 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30346

Final Word

The holidays and you go together like food and drink. The holidays are officially in full swing at some of Buckhead and Perimeter’s favorite spots.

Speaking of dining in Buckhead and Midtown, the best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.

The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.

Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta

Get ready, Atlanta, for a front-row seat to the raw magic of Hollywood magic right here in the heart of the Peach State.

Meadowbrooke Media is pulling out all the stops with an exclusive live table read event set to light up the Historic Fox Theatre, giving locals a rare peek behind the curtain of script-to-stage storytelling.

Meadowbroke To Hold Live Table Read

The one-of-a-kind evening promises an intimate gathering of fans, performers, and narrative lovers as they bring a beloved script to life through cold reads and unfiltered reactions.

It’s not your average theater night—think unscripted laughs, gasps, and maybe a few tears as the words leap off the page in real time.

Slated for Friday, Nov. 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., the event unfolds at the iconic Fox Theatre, located at 660 Peachtree St. NE in Midtown Atlanta.

This grand dame of venues, known for its Moorish architecture and star-studded history, is the perfect backdrop for an evening that blends Atlanta’s thriving film scene with live performance flair.

Leading the charge is acclaimed actor and producer Jamal Hinton, who will host the night.

Joining him for the readings are a powerhouse lineup of Atlanta-rooted talents: Golden Globe nominee Tasha Smith, heartthrob Lance Gross, and special guest the legendary Angela Bassett, whose commanding presence has graced screens from What’s Love Got to Do With It to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“I’m excited to bring this live table read to Atlanta,” Hinton shared. “It’s an opportunity for fans to experience the script come alive in a whole new way. Join us for an evening of laughter, tears, and everything in between.”

Meadowbrooke Media, a rising force in independent film and media production, is teaming up with the Fox Theatre and local powerhouse StarPower Talent Group to make this happen.

The collaboration underscores Atlanta’s growing rep as a hub for creative innovation, drawing in both homegrown stars and national heavyweights.

How To Get Tickets

Tickets are already flying—general admission starts at $45, while the VIP package at $150 snags you prime seating plus a post-show meet-and-greet with the cast. Scoop them up fast at www.foxtheatre.org/events or by dialing 1-855-285-8499.

With spots filling up quicker than a summer thunderstorm, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

For Atlanta’s theater buffs and film fanatics, the live table read isn’t just entertainment—it’s a celebration of the city’s pulse-pounding arts community.

As Hinton puts it, it’s about capturing that electric moment when a story finds its voice. Mark your calendars, Peach Staters; the Fox is about to host a night that’s as uniquely Southern as it is universally captivating.

Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!

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AtlantaFi.com is your go-to source for the stories shaping our city. Stay tuned for updates on this and more cultural happenings.