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Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• A deep-dive into the life of Lester Maddox

• Fortinet purchases building for innovation.

• Atlanta United's roster moves predicted.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."

— Mark Twain

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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 park is known for its scenic lake, a historic bandstand, and hosting the annual "Screen on the Green" movie series?

A) Piedmont Park

B) Centennial Olympic Park

C) Lake Clara Meer Park

D) Grant Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Atlanta street that has become synonymous with the city's restaurant scene, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences, is C) Buford Highway.

News & Important Updates

💼Business

Silicon Valley cybersecurity company Fortinet buys near-vacant building for innovation hub. (link)

Data center investment increases in outer metro Atlanta counties (link)

🏒Sports

Predicting Atlanta United’s end-of-season roster moves. (link)

Hawks guard Trae Young has day of service ahead of Thanksgiving holiday. (link)

🏦Finance

Water pipes plagued by 'broken financing system', Metro Atlanta Chamber expert says. (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

🏀 Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans
1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA
Monday, 2 December 2024 at 7:30 pm | (More Info)

🏀 Drew Charter Eagles vs South Atlanta Hornets
300 Eva Davis Way SE, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, 4 December 2024 at 5:30 pm | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Cliffdiver
The Masquerade - Purgatory, Atlanta, GA
Tue • Dec 03, 2024 • 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Thomas Rhett w/ Riley Green
The Eastern-GA, Atlanta, GA
Wed • Dec 04, 2024 • 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🎙️ UNSUBSCRIBE Podcast
Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA
Wed • Dec 04, 2024 • 8:00 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 “Atlanta with a blend of ancient and futuristic architecture” 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 Desegregation of Atlanta Schools (Early 1960s): A significant period in the city's civil rights history.

The desegregation of Atlanta schools in the early 1960s marked a pivotal moment in the city's civil rights history and contributed to the broader national struggle for racial equality. Despite Atlanta's reputation as a progressive Southern city, its public schools remained segregated by race, perpetuating inequality and injustice. This era saw determined efforts from civil rights activists, educators, and community leaders to challenge this deeply entrenched segregation.

Key figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was an Atlanta native, and attorney Donald Hollowell played instrumental roles in advocating for the desegregation of Atlanta schools through legal challenges and grassroots organizing. Their efforts bore fruit when, in 1961, federal courts ruled against segregation in Atlanta's public schools, paving the way for integration. The process of desegregation was not without challenges, including resistance from some white communities, but it marked a significant step toward dismantling segregation and promoting equal educational opportunities for all students.

The desegregation of Atlanta schools in the early 1960s was a transformative moment for the city, reflecting the resilience and determination of those who fought for civil rights and social justice. It symbolized Atlanta's commitment to progress and equality, and it contributed to the broader national movement for racial integration and civil rights reforms. Today, Atlanta continues to honor this legacy and strives to maintain a commitment to diversity and inclusion in its educational institutions and communities

Famous Atlantans

Lester Maddox - Governor of Georgia and noted segregationist.

Early Life and Business Ventures (1915-1944)

Lester Maddox was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1915, growing up in a time of deep racial segregation in the South. He dropped out of school to work but eventually became a successful businessman, owning several restaurants in Atlanta. His early life was marked by a strong work ethic and a growing interest in Georgia politics.

Segregationist Stance and Restaurant Controversy (1944-1964)

Maddox gained national attention in the 1960s for his staunch segregationist stance as the owner of the Pickrick Restaurant in Atlanta. He famously refused to serve black customers, defying the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and used this stance to catapult himself into the political arena, symbolizing resistance to federally mandated integration.

Political Ascent and Governorship (1966-1971)

In a surprising turn of events, Maddox was elected Governor of Georgia in 1966 after a contentious election that required a decision by the Georgia House of Representatives due to none of the candidates receiving a majority of the vote. His term as governor was marked by a complex mix of populist policies and continued resistance to integration, although he surprised some critics by moderating his tone on racial issues somewhat once in office.

Connection to Atlanta

Maddox's connection to Atlanta was a central theme of his life and career. From his early business ventures to his controversial stance on segregation at his restaurant, and later as a political figure, Maddox's actions and policies had a significant impact on the city, both socially and politically.

Surprising Moderation as Governor

Despite his segregationist campaign rhetoric, Maddox's tenure as governor saw a number of unexpected moves, including the appointment of more African Americans to governmental positions than his predecessors and advocating for prison reform and increased educational funding. These actions, however, were often overshadowed by his earlier segregationist stance and continued public statements against integration.

Post-Governorship and Continued Influence (1971-1983)

After his term as governor ended in 1971, Maddox remained a prominent figure in Georgia politics, serving as lieutenant governor from 1971 to 1975 under Governor Jimmy Carter. His political career continued to be defined by his populist approach and his advocacy for states' rights and segregation, although his influence began to wane as the national and state political climates evolved.

Business Ventures and Public Persona

Throughout his life, Maddox returned to his entrepreneurial roots, engaging in various business ventures and maintaining a high public profile through appearances and speaking engagements. He often used these platforms to express his political views and to comment on the state of the nation and the South.

Legacy and Controversy

Maddox left a complex legacy, remembered by some for his populist policies and by others for his vehement opposition to civil rights and integration. His career reflects the turbulent changes in American society and politics during the mid-20th century, particularly in the South.

Key Achievements

• Elected Governor of Georgia in 1966, serving until 1971.

• Known for his segregationist stance and opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

• Moderated some of his views while in office, appointing African Americans to government positions and advocating for prison reform.

Lester Maddox was a controversial figure in Georgia's political history, emblematic of the state's struggle with civil rights and integration during the 20th century. His tenure as governor revealed a complex individual who could not be easily categorized, as he combined populist policies with a segregationist stance. Despite the controversy surrounding his political and personal views, Maddox's impact on Georgia's political landscape and his connection to Atlanta's history remain undeniable.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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