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Atlanta’s place in the annals of black history needs no introduction, from it being the cradle of the civil rights movement to its progressive strides across many business sectors, Georgia’s largest city has cemented its place.
Being so rich and influential history in the civil rights movement, Atlanta’s many landmarks and attractions offer a unique look into the city’s black heritage.
This article will cover some amazing facts about Atlanta’s black history.
5 Black History Facts About Atlanta
These five amazing black history facts about Atlanta serve as a testament to the city’s rich and influential role in black history.
Sweet Auburn Neighborhood
Photo credit: Google Maps Sweet Auburn was once known as the “the richest negro city in the world.” and its thriving black-owned businesses played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement by providing economic support and resources to the movement.
Today, these businesses are preserving the area's connection to the Civil Rights Movement and
reigniting the spirit of black enterprise.Center for Civil and Human Rights
The Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the city's rich history in the Civil Rights Movement.
Through interactive exhibitions and displays, visitors can learn about the people who were killed during the Civil Rights Era, and view original writings by Martin Luther King Jr. The Centre serves as a tribute to Atlanta's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and provides a window into the city’s past.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Photo credit: MLK Center Martin Luther King Jr. was ordained as a minister and served as a pastor at the historic Baptist church that now serves as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. This site offers a unique look into King’s life and legacy, and provides a meaningful tribute to his work in the Civil Rights Movement.
The African American Burial Grounds
Developed during the slave era, the African American Burial Grounds in the Southeast Atlanta neighborhood of Lakewood Heights’ South-View Cemetery offers a glimpse into the lives of enslaved people in Atlanta and their role in the Civil Rights Movement. The guided tours provide a powerful and emotional
look into the city’s past, and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought
for equality and justice.Black Colleges
Photo credit: Spelman College Atlanta’s historically black colleges and universities, including Morehouse, have played a significant role in educating and empowering black leaders and have been at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. These institutions continue to have a major impact on the city’s cultural heritage, and serve as a testament to Atlanta's commitment to
education and equality.What Schools And Colleges Make Up The AU Center?
The colleges and universities that comprise the AU Center include:
- Clark Atlanta University
- Spelman College
- Morehouse College
- Morehouse School of Medicine
Conclusion
They also provide a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for equality and justice.
As you can see, Atlanta’s history is rich when it comes to African-American excellence. Along with having many cool things to do in Atlanta, the city offers a great history lesson of the progress of U.S. society. If you want to support black businesses in Atlanta in a material way, here are some resources to help you.
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For Black History Month and beyond, it’s very likely that you will find the Atlanta Hawks with their ‘MLK jerseys” on for some home games.
What Does The MLK Stand For On The Atlanta Hawks’ Jerseys?
The MLK stands for the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. How those jerseys came to be is a fascinating story culminating in a first-of-its-kind partnership between the King estate, the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and a popular sportswear company.
That sportswear company happens to be Nike, which manufactured the MLK jerseys, which are officially called MLK Nike City Edition uniforms.
Why Do The Atlanta Hawks Have MLK On Their Jersey?
The short answer is that the Atlanta Hawks have MLK on their jerseys to pay homage to a civil rights activist and hero who called Atlanta home. King’s birth home still sits in Old Fourth Ward at 501 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312, but more importantly, the leader’s principles of nonviolence continue to resonate today.
The Atlanta Hawks debuted MLK jerseys for the first time on January 17, 2022 in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Hawks home court also bore the letters ‘MLK.”
“It is an incredible privilege to be able to represent the legacy of Dr. King, one of Atlanta’s native sons and one of the nation’s most transformative leaders. His message of equality, non-violence, and justice is as relevant today as it was in the 60s and we are proud to not only help educate legions of young fans about Dr. King’s work, but empower them to pick up his mantle and embody the change they wish to see in their communities,” said Hawks Chief Marketing Officer, Melissa Proctor. “We are honored that the King Estate would entrust us with these powerful initials.”
5 Things About The MLK Jersey You Didn’t Know
1. The MLK jersey is made up of three primary colors:
- Infinity Black: This symbolizes the team’s bold, relentless, and unapologetic approach to competition and community.
- Vintage Gold: This hue befits the memory of King and reflects an air of sophistication.
- Fidelity White: This color embodies the team’s dedication and loyalty to the great city of Atlanta along with the ideals of equality and compassion.
2. The Colors Also Represent King’s Greek Fraternity
MLK was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, one of the largest and most popular black Greek organizations at American universities and colleges.
King pledged the fraternity while enrolled at Morehouse College in southwest Atlanta.
3. The Stars Represent the Number Of Times King Was Detained By Police
According to the Hawks website: “The stars donning both sides of the shorts represent 22 of the 29 times Dr. King was jailed fighting for justice and equality, while also paying tribute to the dedicated student freedom fighters who engaged in sit-ins all over the South. Of them, he said, “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.” Towards the bottom of the jersey, Dr. King’s personal signature graces the authenticity tag.”
4. The Jersey Design Also Nods To MLK’s Church Affiliations
Design details pay homage to architectural features of the many churches that King delivered some of his most powerful sermons.
For example, the uniform is trimmed in white and gold, mirroring the silhouette of stained-glass windows you’d find at many churches in the South. The crown and shield symbol on the shorts is influenced by church windows and King’s personal effects.
5. The Hawks’ Logo Encircled In Black Symbolizes Black People’s Struggle
According to the Hawks’ website, “At the waistband is the Hawks’ Primary Icon logo encircled in black symbolizing the continuous quest of the Black community to achieve freedom and justice.”
Final Word
Will the Hawks wear their MLK jerseys for MLK Day coming up? Only time will tell.
Make sure you support the Hawks by buying tickets to Philips Arena. If you can’t go to the game, you can watch the Hawks live for free on TV.
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Tanya James is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry who is making waves not only in the United States but also in Africa.
James is the founder and CEO of TJ Entertainment Group, an artist management company that has been serving talented people in the entertainment industry for over two decades and represents talent such as Grammy Award-winning artist PJ Morton.
Meet Tanya James, Entertainment Entrepreneur
She is also the founder of KJ’s Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization that educates, encourages, and empowers individuals living with sickle cell anemia, and the Tanya S. James Foundation (TSJF), another non-profit dedicated to building a better life for the underprivileged in society.
As a black woman in leadership, James is breaking barriers and inspiring others to do the same.
As a devoted wife, mother, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Tanya is committed to being the example that personal and professional success can co-exist.
James has a reputable history of successful humanitarian efforts. For nearly 20 years, prior to her foundation being established in 2022, James has created a lasting impact amongst individuals, communities, and organizations.
Some of her most notable projects include establishing a college scholarship, assisting with medical bills, adopting classrooms, funding mission trips, donating to study-abroad ventures, refurbishing homes damaged by natural disasters, and more.
Recently, James has taken on a new venture that combines her passion for helping those who are less privileged and her commitment to giving back.
Through her foundation TSJF, Tanya broke ground this January on a school she is building in the Kapakoko Village of the Divo, in the West African country Côte D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast).
The goal of the project is to provide access to education and opportunities for young people in the Kapakoko community.
James is not only investing her own resources in this project, but also leveraging her connections to collaborate with the well-known non-profit ProSeed Foundation, with the hope of making an even bigger impact with the launch of the school.
Final Word
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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Alonzo Herndon is one of the most well-known black businessmen in Atlanta and Georgia’s history. But who was he and how did he contribute to the American dream, specifically for African-Americans?
Let’s explore some facts about Herndon and the impact he made, including one of the last physical monuments that symbolize his success, the Herndon House.
Where Is The Herndon House Located?
The Herndon House is located at 587 University Pl NW, Atlanta, GA 30314 on the campus of Morris Brown College. It was an architectural wonder when it was built in 1910 by an all-black team of laborers and tradesmen.
Photo credit: Morris Brown Here’s a map to help you find it.
Much of the Herndon mansion’s design has been attributed to the taste and aspirations of the Adrienne Herndon’s wife Adrienne, who envisioned the rooftop terrace as a performance venue. She was a drama teacher at Atlanta University at the time.It is one of a few structures associated with Herndon in Atlanta and the success he brought to the city. Another structure on Morris Brown’s campus is Alonzo Herndon Stadium, an old 15,011-seat stadium that was once used for sports events at the school.
Who Was Alonzo Herndon And Why Is He Important?
Herndon was a successful entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the civil rights of African-Americans as well as their continued higher education after high school. One of Herndon’s most lasting contributions includes his role in establishing the United Negro College Fund.
Where Was Alonzo Herndon Born And Raised?
Alonzo Franklin Herndon was born on June 6, 1858, in Social Circle, Georgia, which is located in Walton County. Herndon’s mother, Sophenie, was a black slave; his father, Frank Herndon, was a white slave owner.
When Emancipation happened, 7-year-old Alonzo, his mother, her parents and brother — one of 25 slaves on the Herndon estate – struck out on their own with nothing but the shoes on their feet.
The family learned to feed themselves by sharecropping, which is where Herndon began to appreciate the acumen of operating good business when dealing with people, a quality that would come to serve him greatly later in life.
What Trade Did Alonzo Herndon Learn?
Herndon launched a business with only a formal education, but he was determined to make it. Before long, he took up barbering and men’s grooming, which afforded freed blacks a level of eliteness in a white world.
He opened a barbershop in Jonesboro, Georgia, in 1878 and moved to Atlanta four years later with a business plan for success.
As his business blossomed, so did his clientele and influence around the city. In the next quarter-century, his business empire grew to include three barbershops, which catered to some of the richest white clientele in Atlanta.
After some years, Herndon decided to get in on the insurance business. He soon founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, where he served as president.
What Was the Atlanta Life Insurance Company?
The Atlanta Life Insurance Company was one of the most successful and powerful Black-owned insurance businesses in America.
In 1905, Herndon bought the business, then named the Atlanta Benevolent and Protective Association, and renamed it the Atlanta Life Insurance Company.
Herndon didn’t stop there; he continued to buy companies throughout the South, gobbling them until Atlanta Life became the largest insurance company owned and operated by African American in the nation.
In 1920, the Atlanta Life building, built at 148 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, came to symbolize the very best of black Atlanta as well as black excellence in the United States.
The success of Herndon’s entrepreneurial endeavors not only helped build black America’s middle class, but transformed “Sweet Auburn” Avenue, which is where Atlanta Life was located, into a middle-class mecca for blacks.
Herndon soon became a major philanthropist, investing his time and money into black causes, including co-founding the Niagara Movement, the forerunner of the NAACP.
How Much Money Did Alonzo Herndon Make?
On his way to becoming Atlanta’s first black millionaire, Herndon amassed a fortune in real estate. In 1905, his property holdings were valued at nearly $325,000. His insurance business reported more than $400,000 in assets in 1922. At one point, Herndon was the wealthiest African-American in Atlanta.
What Is The Herndon Foundation?
Today, part of Herndon’s legacy can be found in the Herndon Foundation, which abides by its mission to advance the Herndon legacy through education, mentoring, and preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs. Learn more about the foundation.
Final Thoughts
After Herndon’s death in 1927, his son, Norris B. Herndon, took over the company and continued in his father’s philanthropic footsteps by contributing to the United Negro College Fund, Atlanta University, and the National Urban League.
As for Atlanta LIfe, it exists today as Atlanta Life Financial Group, located at 191 Peachtree St #2500, Atlanta, GA 30303.
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.