Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• History on the founding of Atlanta

• The Atlanta Braves releases training camp schedule

• A deep-dive into the life of Joel Chandler Harris

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

– Friedrich Nietzsche

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!

What is the name of Atlanta's oldest public park, which was established in 1883?

A) Piedmont Park

B) Centennial Olympic Park

C) Grant Park

D) Freedom Park

News

💼 Business

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines unveiled plans for a new direct flight route to Tokyo, enhancing connectivity and business opportunities between the two cities. (link)

Coca-Cola, headquartered in Atlanta, announced a groundbreaking partnership with a major tech company to improve logistics and supply chain management using AI. (link)

Atlanta's tech hub, TechSquare, hosted a major startup pitch event, attracting venture capitalists and entrepreneurs from across the nation. (link)

Home Depot, the largest home improvement retailer headquartered in Atlanta, revealed expansion plans with new stores opening across the Midwest. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Atlanta Hawks secured a thrilling victory against the Miami Heat, with a final score of 104-99, led by a stellar performance from Trae Young. (link)

Atlanta United FC announced the signing of a promising young striker from Argentina. (link)

The Atlanta Braves released their training camp schedule, with sessions open to the public starting from February 1st. (link)

Georgia Tech's basketball team triumphed over their long-time rival in a nail-biting match that went into overtime. (link)

🏦 Finance

Atlanta's financial district saw a surge in commercial real estate deals, signaling a robust growth in the city's economy and investor confidence. (link)

A leading Atlanta-based investment firm announced a major green energy fund, focusing on sustainable and renewable energy projects across the Southeast. (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

🏀 College Park SkyHawks vs. Birmingham Squadron
Gateway Center Arena at College Park
Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀 Atlanta Hawks vs. Phoenix Suns
State Farm Arena
Friday, Feb 2, 2024 | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🏀 Atlanta Hawks vs. Golden State Warriors
State Farm Arena
Saturday, Feb 3, 2024 | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Oliver Tree with Fidlar
Coca-Cola Roxy
Monday, Jan 29, 2024 | 8:​​00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Beartooth with The Plot in You
The Tabernacle
Tuesday, Jan 30 | (More Info)

🎤 Tinashe
The Buckhead Theatre
Wednesday, Jan 31 | (More Info)

🎸 Lana Del Rey
Heaven Stage at Masquerade Music Park - Complex
Friday, Feb 2 | (More Info)

Family

🦖 Jurassic Quest
Cobb Galleria Convention Center
Jan. 29 - Feb 4 | (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 as a giant eco-friendly treehouse community” 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

Founding of Atlanta (1837)

In 1837, a fledgling settlement known as Terminus emerged at the intersection of several railroad lines in the southeastern United States. This settlement, strategically positioned as a transportation nexus, would lay the foundation for what we know today as Atlanta. Initially, Terminus was conceived as a functional railroad junction, its very name denoting its role as the end point of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. However, the pragmatic settlement soon outgrew its utilitarian origins, evolving into a vibrant community.

By 1843, the settlement's growing importance and aspirations for a more distinguished identity led to a name change from Terminus to Marthasville, in honor of Martha Lumpkin, the daughter of Georgia's Governor Wilson Lumpkin. Yet, this name was short-lived. The city's dynamic growth and its vision to become a central transportation and commerce hub necessitated a name that captured its spirit and ambition. In 1847, the city was renamed Atlanta, a feminized version of Atlantic, in reference to the Western and Atlantic Railroad around which the city had originated. This new name symbolized the city's broader aspirations and its pivotal role in connecting the Atlantic coast with the vast hinterlands of the American South.

The founding of Atlanta marked the beginning of a remarkable journey from a modest railroad terminus to a thriving metropolis. Throughout its history, Atlanta has been a city of reinvention and resilience, overcoming the devastation of the Civil War to become a symbol of the New South's progress and prosperity. The city's origins in transportation paved the way for its evolution into a cultural, economic, and political powerhouse, a testament to the enduring spirit and vision that characterized its founding.

Famous Atlantans

Joel Chandler Harris (1848–1908)

Early Life and Introduction to Literature (1848-1866)

Joel Chandler Harris was born in 1848 in Eatonton, Georgia. Growing up during the Civil War era in the South, Harris was exposed to the rich oral tradition and diverse narratives of the region. His early experiences, particularly his time spent on plantations listening to African American folktales, deeply influenced his later work.

Early Journalism Career (1867-1875)

Harris began his career in journalism as a teenager, working for various newspapers. His natural talent for writing and keen observations of Southern life quickly became evident. He used his writings to explore and comment on the social issues of the time, particularly those related to racial and cultural dynamics.

Move to Atlanta and Rise to Prominence (1876-1880)

In the late 1870s, Harris moved to Atlanta and joined the staff of The Atlanta Constitution. His work at the newspaper, including editorials and humorous sketches, gained widespread popularity. It was during this period that Harris began to garner national attention for his distinct literary voice.

Creation and Publication of Uncle Remus Stories (1881-1885)

Harris's most famous work, the Uncle Remus stories, was first published in 1881. These stories were based on African American folktales and Harris's own experiences. Narrated by the fictional character Uncle Remus, the tales featured characters like Br'er Rabbit and Br'er Fox and were an instant success, celebrated for their vivid storytelling and linguistic richness.

Continued Literary Success and Critique (1886-1895)

Following the success of the Uncle Remus stories, Harris continued to write and publish additional tales and novels. While his work was widely popular and praised for its portrayal of Southern life, it also faced critique and scrutiny, especially regarding its depiction of race and the complexities of the post-Civil War South.

Later Life and Literary Contributions (1896-1905)

In his later life, Harris remained an influential figure in American literature. He continued to contribute stories, articles, and novels, further cementing his reputation as a significant American author. His works during this period reflected his maturing perspective on the cultural and social landscape of the South.

Final Years and Reflections on Legacy (1906-1908)

In his final years, Harris reflected on his literary career and the impact of his work. He was recognized as a key figure in preserving and sharing the folklore and cultural heritage of the South through his writings.

Death and Enduring Legacy (1908)

Joel Chandler Harris passed away in 1908. His death marked the end of a career that had a profound impact on American literature and folklore. Harris's work, particularly the Uncle Remus stories, continues to be celebrated for its storytelling, linguistic artistry, and cultural significance.

Key Achievements:

• Authored the acclaimed Uncle Remus stories, bringing African American folktales to a wider audience.

• Made significant contributions to American literature and journalism, offering insights into Southern life and culture.

• His work played a crucial role in preserving the folklore and narrative traditions of the South.

• Left a lasting impact on American culture, influencing generations of writers and storytellers.

Joel Chandler Harris's journey from a young journalist in Georgia to a renowned author of American literature is a testament to his unique literary talent and his commitment to preserving cultural narratives. His Uncle Remus stories, celebrated for their rich storytelling and linguistic depth, have left an indelible mark on American folklore and literature, reflecting the complexities, traditions, and enduring spirit of the South.

Connect With Me

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-Matthew Larsen

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