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Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Friedman's bets on South Downtown.

• A deep-dive into the life of John Slaton

• Upcoming Atlanta Braves game

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”

– Og Mandino

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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 bridge is famous for its "Phoenix" sculpture and is a well-known landmark that symbolizes the city's rise from the ashes of the Civil War?

A) The Jackson Street Bridge

B) The 17th Street Bridge

C) The Peachtree Street Bridge

D) The North Avenue Bridge

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the Atlanta event that features a series of light installations, performances, and public art, celebrated in the arts district annually is D) Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade.

News

💼 Business

Historic South Downtown shoe store Friedman's pins future on neighborhood rebirth. (link)

North Highland CEO Alex Bombeck Named “Most Admired CEO” by Atlanta Business Chronicle. (link)

🏒 Sports

Bobby Cox gets standing ovation during rare visit to Braves game. (link)

Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson dies in triple-fatal vehicle collision in Prince George's County. (link)

🏦 Finance

MARTA pauses closure to Five Points station; says replacing canopy remains best option. (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 Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Friday, Jul 19th | 7:20 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Gwinnett Stripers vs. Charlotte Knights
Coolray Field, Lawrenceville, GA
Friday, Jul 19th | 7:05 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Rest Ashore / Better Place
The Masquerade - Altar, Atlanta, GA
Thursday, Jul 18th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Be Your Own Pet
Terminal West, Atlanta, GA
Thursday, Jul 18th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🎭 Twilight Tots
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, July 20th | 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 “Futuristic Atlanta with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy” 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 Founding of the Atlanta University Center Consortium (1929): A focal point for African American education.

The founding of the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUC) in 1929 was a momentous event in the history of African American education and solidified Atlanta's reputation as a focal point for higher learning among Black scholars. The AUC Consortium brought together several historically black colleges and universities located in the city, including Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University (formerly Atlanta University), and the Morehouse School of Medicine. This collaborative effort aimed to pool resources, share expertise, and create a powerful educational hub for African American students.

The AUC Consortium has had a profound and lasting impact on the African American community and the broader field of education. It has fostered an environment of academic excellence, social activism, and leadership development, producing notable alumni such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Congressman John Lewis, and renowned writer and civil rights activist Alice Walker. The AUC has played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights, promoting scholarship, and empowering generations of Black leaders.

Today, the Atlanta University Center Consortium continues to thrive as a vibrant and dynamic center for education, research, and cultural enrichment. It remains dedicated to fostering the intellectual growth and development of African American students while contributing significantly to Atlanta's status as a hub for higher education and social justice activism.

Famous Atlantans

John Slaton - Governor of Georgia, known for commuting Leo Frank's death sentence.

Early Life and Education (1866-1880s)

John Marshall Slaton was born in Meriwether County, Georgia, in 1866. He received his education at the University of Georgia and studied law, laying the groundwork for his future career in politics and law.

Legal Career and Entry into Politics (1880s-1910)

Slaton embarked on a successful legal career in Atlanta, Georgia. His legal acumen and reputation led to his involvement in Democratic Party politics in the state, setting the stage for his political ascent.

Connection to Atlanta

Slaton's connection to Atlanta deepened as he established himself in the city's legal and political circles. Atlanta played a central role in his career, and he became a prominent figure in the city's political landscape.

Georgia State Senate and House of Representatives (1896-1913)

Slaton served in both the Georgia State Senate and the House of Representatives. His legislative career allowed him to contribute to various policy initiatives and gain valuable experience in state politics.

Governorship of Georgia (1911-1912)

In 1911, John Slaton was elected as the Governor of Georgia. During his term, he focused on progressive reforms, including improving education and addressing prison conditions.

Commutation of Leo Frank's Sentence (1915)

One of Slaton's most notable actions as governor was his decision to commute the death sentence of Leo Frank, a Jewish man wrongfully convicted of murder. This decision was met with both support and controversy and had a profound impact on Georgia's history.

Return to Legal Practice (1915-1955)

After leaving the governor's office, Slaton returned to his legal practice in Atlanta. He continued to be involved in legal and civic affairs, contributing to the city's legal community.

Civil Rights Advocacy

Throughout his career, Slaton advocated for civil rights and equal treatment under the law. His progressive views on race relations were considered ahead of his time in the early 20th century South.

Legacy

John Slaton's legacy is marked by his commitment to progressive politics, his controversial decision in the Leo Frank case, and his advocacy for civil rights. His contributions to Georgia's political and legal landscape continue to be a subject of historical interest.

Key Achievements

• Elected as Governor of Georgia in 1911.

• Commuted the death sentence of Leo Frank in a controversial decision.

• Advocated for progressive reforms in education and prison conditions.

• Promoted civil rights and equal treatment under the law.

John Slaton, a prominent figure in Georgia's political history, made significant contributions to the state's development during his term as governor. His controversial decision to commute the death sentence of Leo Frank left a lasting mark on Georgia's legal and social history. Slaton's commitment to progressive policies and civil rights advocacy underscore his enduring impact on the state's political landscape.

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

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