Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Black Country, New Road performs at Variety Playhouse.

• A deep-dive into the life of Hosea Williams.

• Mitsubishi Classic Kicks Off at TPC Sugarloaf.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."

– Albert Einstein

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Atlanta attraction is the world headquarters of a global beverage company and offers a museum and tasting experience?

A) The Georgia Aquarium

B) The World of Coca-Cola

C) The College Football Hall of Fame

D) The Atlanta Botanical Garden

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Atlanta neighborhood that is the birthplace of the civil rights movement and home to several historic African American universities is D) Atlanta University Center.

News

💼 Business

Atlanta business owner voices concerns over USPS delays. (link)

Trammell Crow Affiliate Set to Acquire Prime 4-Acre Midtown Atlanta Site. (link)

Davidson Promotes Leadership, Names Steve Margol as Executive Chairman Effective January 2025. (link)

🏒 Sports

Atlanta Braves triumphed over the Miami Marlins at Truist Park. (link)

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets hosted Kennesaw State Owls in a baseball game at Russ Chandler Stadium. (link)

Mitsubishi Electric Classic golf tournament commenced at TPC Sugarloaf on. (link)

The Atlanta Hawks celebrated a playoff victory party at the State Farm Arena. (link)

🏦 Finance

SunTrust Banks, based in Atlanta, reported a 15% increase in first-quarter profits compared to the previous year. (link)

Englewood Senior Project Moves Forward with Benoit Group and Partners in Atlanta (link)

Former Atlanta CFO Jim Beard Pleads Guilty to Theft and Tax Obstruction Charges. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Gwinnett Stripers vs. Durham Bulls
Coolray Field, Lawrenceville, GA
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 11:05 AM | (More Info)

⚾ Rome Emperors vs. Hickory Crawdads
AdventHealth Stadium, Rome, GA
Wednesday, May 01st | 11:00 AM | (More Info)

⚾ Gwinnett Stripers vs. Durham Bulls
Coolray Field, Lawrenceville, GA
Wednesday, May 01st | 7:05 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Social Distortion and Bad Religion
Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Gates to Hell
Vinyl, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Say Anything
The Eastern-GA, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Black Country, New Road
Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

💃 The Atlanta Opera's Die Walkure
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Rachmaninoff's Second Symphony
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday Apr 30th | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban landscape of Atlanta with advanced public transport systems” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Atlanta Historical Events

The Atlanta Sit-ins (1960): Nonviolent protests that were part of the broader civil rights movement.

The Atlanta Sit-ins of 1960 were a powerful manifestation of nonviolent protest in the heart of the American South during the civil rights movement. These sit-ins were part of a broader effort to combat racial segregation and discrimination in public facilities, particularly at lunch counters and restaurants. Led by civil rights activists such as Lonnie C. King Jr. and Julian Bond, Atlanta's African American community mobilized to challenge racial segregation and demand equal treatment.

The sit-ins involved African American students and activists peacefully occupying segregated lunch counters, defying segregationist policies, and refusing to leave until they were served. The protesters faced verbal abuse, physical violence, and arrests, but their unwavering commitment to nonviolence and their dedication to the cause of desegregation garnered national attention. The success of the Atlanta Sit-ins and similar protests throughout the South ultimately played a significant role in dismantling Jim Crow segregation and promoting civil rights reforms.

The Atlanta Sit-ins demonstrated the power of peaceful civil disobedience and grassroots activism in advancing the cause of civil rights. Their impact was felt not only in Atlanta but also throughout the nation, inspiring other cities and communities to follow suit in their fight against racial segregation and discrimination. This pivotal moment in Atlanta's history serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those who fought for equality during the civil rights era.

Famous Atlantans

Hosea Williams - Civil rights leader and a member of Martin Luther King Jr.'s inner circle.

Early Life and Military Service (1926-1947)

Hosea Williams was born in Attapulgus, Georgia, in 1926, and grew up facing the brutal realities of Jim Crow laws and racial segregation. His early life was marked by hardship and struggle, which fueled his desire for change. Williams served with distinction in the United States Army during World War II, an experience that exposed him to the possibilities of a society less constrained by the color line and deepened his resolve to fight for civil rights.

Education and Early Activism (1947-1960)

After the war, Williams took advantage of the GI Bill to pursue higher education, earning a degree in Chemistry from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University). His academic achievements did not shield him from the racism of the South, and he became increasingly involved in the Civil Rights Movement, joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Joining the SCLC and Meeting King (1960-1965)

In the early 1960s, Williams's activism caught the attention of Martin Luther King Jr., who invited him to join the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). This marked the beginning of a close association between Williams and King, with Williams taking on a leading role in organizing and participating in some of the most significant civil rights campaigns of the 1960s.

The Selma to Montgomery March (1965)

Williams was one of the key figures in the Selma to Montgomery marches, which highlighted racial injustice in the South and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His leadership during the "Bloody Sunday" march, where peaceful protesters were violently attacked by law enforcement, underscored his commitment to nonviolent protest and his willingness to face brutality for the cause of justice.

Connection to Atlanta

Hosea Williams's connection to Atlanta was central to his work in civil rights and later in local politics. Atlanta served as the base for many of his initiatives, including leading voter registration drives, organizing protests, and later serving on the Atlanta City Council and the DeKalb County Commission. His efforts contributed significantly to the city's civil rights legacy.

Leading the "Summer Community Organization and Political Education" (SCOPE) Project

Williams directed the SCLC's Summer Community Organization and Political Education (SCOPE) project, which aimed to increase black voter registration in the South. This initiative was crucial in changing the political landscape of the region, leading to greater representation for African Americans in local and national elections.

Advocacy for the Poor and Disenfranchised

Beyond his work in civil rights, Williams was deeply committed to advocating for the poor and disenfranchised. He founded Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, an organization that continues to provide services for the needy in Atlanta, embodying his belief in fighting poverty as a fundamental aspect of the struggle for equality.

Political Career and Continued Activism

Williams's activism transitioned into a political career, where he served with distinction on the Atlanta City Council and the DeKalb County Commission. Even while holding public office, he remained a tireless advocate for civil rights, social justice, and economic equality.

Legacy and Honors

Hosea Williams passed away in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of courage, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to justice. His contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and his work on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised have been honored in numerous ways, including the naming of streets and community centers after him in Atlanta.

Key Achievements

• Served as a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr.

• Played a leading role in the Selma to Montgomery marches, which were instrumental in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

• Directed the SCLC's SCOPE project, significantly increasing black voter registration in the South.

• Founded Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, reflecting his commitment to social welfare.

Hosea Williams's life was defined by his relentless fight for civil rights and social justice. As a member of Martin Luther King Jr.'s inner circle, he played a pivotal role in some of the most significant events of the Civil Rights Movement. His commitment to nonviolent protest, combined with his efforts to combat poverty and disenfranchisement, left a lasting impact on Atlanta and the nation. Williams's legacy continues to inspire future generations to advocate for equality and justice for all.

Connect With Me

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-Matthew Larsen

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