Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Atlanta Hawks game recap

• A deep-dive into the life of Alonzo Herndon

• Synovus Bank hires new CEO

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– Lao Tzu

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 neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art and is the location of the annual "Inman Park Festival"?

A) Buckhead

B) Midtown

C) Inman Park

D) Little Five Points

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, located in Atlanta, is C) Georgia Aquarium.

News

💼 Business

Mailchimp co-founder on new HQ: 'If we don't maintain [connections with people], they have a shelf life. (link)

South Downtown already drawing dozens of entrepreneurs amid new revitalization effort. (link)

New GRA CEO is ready to give back to restaurants. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Houston Rockets with a score of 122-113. (link)

Denver Broncos traded up to land a new franchise quarterback, ahead of Atlanta in the 2024 NFL Draft. (link)

Atlanta United played a match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on February 10. (link)

The Coca-Cola Company, an Atlanta-based company, is stepping into India’s burgeoning ready-to-drink tea market with the introduction of "Honest Tea"4. (link)

🏦 Finance

The Coca-Cola Company is expected to release earnings results for its fourth quarter, before the opening bell on February 13, 2024. (link)

Garrett M. Alton, Executive Vice President, Head of National Sales, Chair Southeast Region, Interim President West Region at Wilmington Trust, N.A., is managing Wilmington Trust’s Atlanta and Southeastern region. (link)

Kevin Blair, President and CEO of Synovus, became CEO of Synovus Bank, the largest bank headquartered in Georgia. (link)

Raphael W. Bostic, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, says the Federal Open Market Committee may be approaching a new phase in the monetary policy cycle that began in March 2022. (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

🏀 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets VS Clemson University Tigers Men’s Basketball
McCamish Pavilion ,Atlanta
Wednesday, Feb. 21th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀Atlanta Hawks Vs Toronto Raptors
State Farm Arena, Atlanta
Friday Feb 23rd | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🏀Atlanta Hawks Vs Orlando Magic
State Farm Arena
Sunday Feb 25th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵  Ryan Beatty
Terminal West, Atlanta
Tuesday, Feb. 20th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤  Yeah! : 90s 2000s Rb And Hip Hop Jams 18+
The Masquerade - Hell , Atlanta
Friday 23rd | (More Info)

🎸 On Tour with Kolton Moore
Vinyl ,Atlanta
Saturday Feb. 24th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🦖 Jurassic World Live Tour
Gas South Arena, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, Feb. 24th | 3:00 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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Atlanta with modern technology.” 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 Burning of Atlanta (1864)

In 1864, the city of Atlanta faced a cataclysmic event that forever altered its landscape and history. As part of the Union's strategic efforts during the Civil War, General William T. Sherman targeted Atlanta due to its critical role as a transportation and supply hub for the Confederacy. After a series of battles collectively known as the Atlanta Campaign, Sherman's forces successfully captured the city in September. What followed was a deliberate and systematic destruction, known infamously as the Burning of Atlanta. Union troops set fire to railroad depots, warehouses, factories, and other infrastructure that could aid the Confederate war effort, intending to cripple the South's military capabilities.

The conflagration that engulfed Atlanta was vast and indiscriminate, leaving in its wake a city largely in ruins. Residential and commercial buildings, alongside the strategic targets, were consumed by flames. The city's inhabitants, already weary from the siege and battles, were plunged into further despair. The burning of Atlanta was not just a military tactic; it was a psychological blow aimed at diminishing the morale of the Confederacy. The dramatic scenes of the city aflame would be etched into the collective memory of the nation, symbolizing the devastating impact of the Civil War on both the landscape and the psyche of the American people.

In the aftermath of the burning, Atlanta faced a monumental task of rebuilding from the ashes. However, the resilience and determination of its citizens prevailed. The city's reconstruction became emblematic of the broader post-war recovery of the South. Atlanta's resurgence from the ruins of the Civil War was a testament to its enduring spirit, setting the stage for its transformation into a major economic and cultural hub in the years to come. The Burning of Atlanta, while a harrowing chapter in the city's history, ultimately became a pivotal point that underscored Atlanta's capacity for renewal and growth.

Famous Atlantans

Alonzo Herndon - Entrepreneur and founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company.

Early Life and Background (1858-1878)
Alonzo Herndon was born in Walton County, Georgia, in 1858, into slavery.
Following emancipation, he worked as a farm laborer and later as a barber in Senoia, Georgia. In 1878, he moved to Jonesboro, Georgia, where he continued working as a barber.

Barbering and Entrepreneurship (1878-1905)
Herndon's skills as a barber led to his success in Atlanta, where he opened his own barbershop on Peachtree Street. His barbershop became a social and political hub in the city, frequented by prominent figures. During this time, he also established the Atlanta Benevolent and Protective Association, a burial insurance society for African Americans.

Founding Atlanta Life Insurance Company (1905)
In 1905, Alonzo Herndon founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, initially operating from his barbershop. The company focused on providing insurance products and financial services to African Americans, filling a crucial gap in the market. Atlanta Life Insurance Company would become one of the most successful and enduring African American-owned businesses in the nation.

Expanding Business Operations (1905-1920)
Herndon's business acumen led to the company's rapid expansion, with branch offices in multiple states. Atlanta Life offered various insurance policies, burial insurance, and pension plans, promoting financial security within the African American community. The company's success was a testament to Herndon's dedication to empowering his community.

Legacy and Philanthropy (1927-1937)
Alonzo Herndon passed away in 1927, leaving behind a lasting legacy of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. He bequeathed substantial funds to Atlanta University and Morris Brown College. Herndon's contributions to education and his commitment to uplifting the African American community continue to benefit future generations.

Historical Significance (1937-Present)
The Atlanta Life Insurance Company remains in operation and continues to serve the African American community. Alonzo Herndon's story stands as a testament to resilience, entrepreneurship, and the enduring impact of African American businesses in Atlanta and the nation. His contributions to the city's history and economy are celebrated and remembered to this day.

Key Achievements:

• Founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company in 1905.

• Pioneered insurance and financial services for African Americans.

• Established a lasting legacy of entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

• Contributed to the economic empowerment of Atlanta's African American community.

Alonzo Herndon, born into slavery, rose to become a prominent entrepreneur, founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, and a philanthropist. His journey from humble beginnings to business success exemplifies resilience and the determination to uplift the African American community. Herndon's lasting legacy continues to impact Atlanta's economic landscape and serves as an inspiration for future generations.

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.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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