Atlanta Newsletter (February 5th)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Atlanta.

Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In todayโ€™s edition:

  • Upcoming Atlanta Hawks home games

  • A deep-dive into the life of Margaret Mitchell

  • New Atlanta AI art

  • And moreโ€ฆ

Quote of the Week

"If it wasn't for failures, I wouldn't know what strength looked like."

- Byron Pulsifer

Trivia

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

Which Atlanta museum is dedicated to the work and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.?

A) The Atlanta History Center

B) The Carter Center

C) The National Center for Civil and Human Rights

D) The King Center

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

Atlanta's oldest public park, established in 1883, is C) Grant Park.

News

๐Ÿ’ผ Business

Rivian is facing an appeal against a zoning lawsuit related to its future $5 billion EV factory, stirring up the local business landscape. (link)

A bill aimed at streamlining private claims on coastal marshland is moving forward. (link)

The FAA is probing an incident where a Delta plane lost a tire while taxiing in Atlanta. (link)

Scandinavian Airlines is setting its sights on Atlanta, promising to bolster the city's connectivity with international flights. (link)

๐Ÿ’ Sports

Atlanta United FC released its 2024 preseason schedule, getting fans excited for the upcoming MLS season. (link)

Clark Atlanta University Athletics announced a busy week with the kickoff of baseball, softball, and women's tennis matches. (link)

The College Park SkyHawks are set to face various teams including the Birmingham Squadron. (link)

๐Ÿฆ Finance

Delta Air Lines reported record revenue and a profit of $4.6 billion for 2023, showcasing robust performance in the aviation sectorโ€‹โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹. (link)

WestRock is gearing up to release its first quarter 2024 results on February 1, a significant event for the paper and packaging industry. (link)

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is hosting a pivotal conference addressing labor market trends and solutions. (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

๐Ÿ€ Atlanta Hawks vs. Los Angeles Clippers
State Farm Arena
Monday, Feb 5 | (More Info)

๐Ÿƒ Run Against Breast Cancer 5K/10K
Beltline Trail
Saturday, Feb 10 | (More Info)

๐Ÿˆ 2024 FRE Sports "Unsigned Senior" Football Showcase
Lakewood Stadium
Saturday, Feb 10 | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

๐ŸŽค Squid
Terminal West At King Plow Arts Center
Tuesday, Feb 6, 2024 | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

๐ŸŽถ Silent Planet
The Masquerade
Saturday, Feb 10, 2024 | 6โ€‰โ€“โ€‰10โ€ฏPM | (More Info)

๐ŸŽต DEAP VALLY
Terminal West
Thursday, Feb 8 | (More Info)

Family

๐ŸŽช AtlantaBrickCon
Gas South Convention Center
Saturday, Feb 10 - Sunday, Feb 11 | (More Info)

๐ŸŽ‰ Shakespeare Out of a Hat: Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
Sunday, Feb 11 | (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 โ€œAtlanta with domed buildingsโ€ 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

Atlanta as a Railroad Hub (1840s)

In the 1840s, the burgeoning city of Atlanta began to truly flourish, largely due to its strategic significance as a major railroad hub. Its original name, Terminus, was a direct testament to its initial purpose: the concluding point of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. This pivotal connection turned the city into a nexus of commerce and transportation, drawing in businesses, travelers, and residents alike. The convergence of multiple rail lines in Atlanta facilitated the transport of goods and people, not just locally but across the nation, solidifying the city's role as a linchpin in the network of American trade and travel.

As railroads continued to expand, Atlanta's advantageous geographical position became even more pronounced. The city lay at the heart of the South's rail network, connecting the Atlantic coast with the burgeoning agricultural and industrial centers of the region. This connectivity made Atlanta a focal point for business and served as a catalyst for urban growth and development. Warehouses, businesses, and industries sprouted around the rail lines, leveraging the easy access to transportation for the distribution of cotton, textiles, and other goods.

The status of Atlanta as a railroad hub in the 1840s set in motion a pattern of growth and prosperity that would define the city for decades to come. It laid the groundwork for Atlanta to become a center of industry, commerce, and finance, attracting investment and innovation. The railroads brought not just economic opportunities but also people, ideas, and cultures, contributing to the diverse and dynamic character of the city. Atlanta's emergence as a railroad hub was more than just a matter of logistics; it was a transformative period that marked the beginning of the city's ascent as a leading metropolis in the American South.

Famous Atlantans

Margaret Mitchell (1900โ€“1949)

Early Life and Passion for Writing (1900-1918)

Margaret Mitchell was born in 1900 in Atlanta, Georgia. Raised in a family steeped in Southern history and culture, Mitchell developed a love for literature and storytelling from an early age. Her upbringing in the post-Civil War South profoundly influenced her perspectives and future literary work.

Educational Pursuits and Early Career (1919-1925)

Mitchell pursued her education at the Washington Seminary and later at Smith College. After leaving college, she returned to Atlanta, where she began her career as a journalist for The Atlanta Journal. Her work as a reporter allowed her to hone her writing skills and offered her insights into human experiences and societal dynamics.

Marriage and Personal Development (1926-1935)

In 1925, Mitchell married John Marsh, who would play a significant role in her life as a supportive partner. During this period, Mitchell faced various personal challenges, including health issues. Despite these obstacles, she continued to nurture her passion for writing and storytelling.

Writing and Publication of 'Gone with the Wind' (1936-1937)

Mitchell's most significant achievement came with the publication of "Gone with the Wind" in 1936. The novel, set in Georgia during the Civil War and Reconstruction era, became an instant bestseller and was celebrated for its vivid characters, especially its formidable protagonist, Scarlett O'Hara.

Critical Acclaim and Pulitzer Prize (1937-1940)

"Gone with the Wind" received widespread critical acclaim and earned Mitchell the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937. The novel's success transformed her into a literary sensation, and its impact on American culture and literature was profound.

Hollywood Adaptation and Continued Success (1940-1945)

The film adaptation of "Gone with the Wind," released in 1939, further cemented the novel's status as a cultural landmark. Mitchell's involvement with the film and its subsequent success brought her international fame, though she preferred to live a private life away from the public eye.

Philanthropy and World War II Efforts (1941-1945)

During World War II, Mitchell contributed to the war effort through various means, including supporting the Red Cross and other charitable organizations. Her commitment to philanthropy and her contributions during the war were reflective of her deep sense of social responsibility.

Later Years and Literary Contributions (1946-1949)

In her later years, Mitchell continued to write and involve herself in literary and social circles in Atlanta. While she never published another novel after "Gone with the Wind," her influence on American literature and her role as a prominent Southern writer were well recognized.

Death and Enduring Legacy (1949)

Margaret Mitchell passed away in 1949. Her death marked the end of a life that had a significant impact on American literature. "Gone with the Wind" remains a seminal work, and Mitchell's legacy as its author continues to inspire and captivate readers worldwide.

Key Achievements:

  • Authored "Gone with the Wind," one of the most celebrated novels in American literature.

  • Won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937.

  • Contributed to the cultural and literary identity of the South through her vivid storytelling and complex characters.

  • Left a lasting impact on American culture, with her novel being adapted into one of the most successful films in Hollywood history.

Margaret Mitchell's life, from her beginnings in Atlanta to her rise as the acclaimed author of "Gone with the Wind," is a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication to her craft. Her novel, set against the backdrop of the Civil War and Reconstruction South, captured the complexity of human experiences and historical realities. Mitchell's profound influence on American literature and culture endures, ensuring her place as one of the most iconic writers of the 20th century.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Donโ€™t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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

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