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Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Atlanta business water crisis relief available.

• A deep-dive into the life of Joseph E. Lowery

• Upcoming Atlanta Braves game

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."

- Socrates

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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!

What is the name of the prominent Atlanta avenue that hosts the annual Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the oldest in the United States?

A) Peachtree Street

B) Ponce de Leon Avenue

C) Marietta Street

D) Buford Highway

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Atlanta neighborhood known for its historic bungalows, bohemian vibe, and a lively commercial district with indie shops and eateries is C) Little Five Points.

News

💼 Business

Atlanta business owners can now apply for water crisis relief funds. (link)

Rolex to expand store at Lenox Square. (link)

🏒 Sports

Falcons to induct Matt Ryan, Arthur Blank into Ring of Honor. (link)

Atlanta Falcons lose pick, fined over tampering violation. (link)

🏦 Finance

Microsoft confirmed as company seeking tax break for Fulton County data center. (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

⚾ Rome Emperors vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods
AdventHealth Stadium, Rome, GA
Monday, Jul 1st | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants
Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Jul 2nd | 7:20 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Bodybox
The Masquerade - Purgatory, Atlanta, GA
Monday, Jul 1st | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Violence System
The Masquerade - Altar, Atlanta, GA
Friday, Jul 5th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

 🛝 9 to 5
Woodstock Arts Theatre, Woodstock, GA
Friday, Jul 5th | 7:30 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 “An entirely underground Atlanta” 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 Morehouse and Spelman Colleges (Late 1800s): These historically black colleges have been pivotal in education and civil rights.

The late 1800s saw the founding of two prestigious historically black colleges in Atlanta, Morehouse College and Spelman College, both of which have played pivotal roles in education, civil rights, and the empowerment of African Americans. Morehouse College was founded in 1867 and has long been a beacon of academic excellence and leadership development for young African American men. With a rich history of producing prominent leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and numerous civil rights activists, Morehouse has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of African American leaders in the United States.

Similarly, Spelman College, founded in 1881, has had a profound impact on the education and empowerment of African American women. This historically black women's liberal arts college has cultivated a legacy of scholarship, activism, and leadership among its graduates. Notable alumnae include author and activist Alice Walker, actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Spelman's commitment to nurturing intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and civic engagement continues to resonate today.

Both Morehouse and Spelman Colleges are institutions of higher learning that have transcended their historical significance to become leaders in the education of African American students and advocates for social justice. Their legacies continue to inspire and shape the course of civil rights, education, and leadership not only in Atlanta but across the nation.

Famous Atlantans

Joseph E. Lowery - Civil rights leader and co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

Early Life and Religious Calling (1921-1940)

Joseph Echols Lowery was born in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1921. His early years were marked by a deep religious upbringing, leading him to pursue a career in ministry. Lowery's commitment to Christianity played a pivotal role in his later involvement in the civil rights movement.

Ministry and Activism (1940-1955)

Lowery became a Baptist minister and served in churches in Alabama and Georgia. His experiences in the racially segregated South ignited his passion for civil rights activism. In 1955, he became involved in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.

Founding of the SCLC (1957)

Lowery was a co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and others. The SCLC played a crucial role in coordinating civil rights activities, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Birmingham Campaign.

Nonviolent Protests and Direct Action (1960-1965)

Lowery was known for his commitment to nonviolent protests and civil disobedience. He participated in sit-ins, marches, and demonstrations throughout the 1960s, advocating for desegregation and voting rights. His dedication to peaceful resistance contributed to the success of the civil rights movement.

Connection to Atlanta

In 1961, Lowery moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to become the pastor of Central United Methodist Church. His presence in Atlanta further solidified the city's role as a hub of civil rights activism and leadership. Lowery's work in Atlanta and his involvement with the SCLC made him an integral part of the city's civil rights history.

Selma to Montgomery March (1965)

Lowery played a significant role in the Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights in 1965. He was one of the organizers of the march, and his leadership, along with that of other civil rights leaders, ultimately led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Advocacy for Racial and Social Justice (1966-2009)

Lowery continued his activism beyond the 1960s, advocating for racial and social justice in various capacities. He led the SCLC as its president from 1977 to 1997, focusing on issues such as economic inequality, education, and healthcare.

Commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. (1980s)

Lowery played a central role in commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. He was instrumental in establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday, a milestone in recognizing the contributions of civil rights leaders.

Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009)

In 2009, Joseph E. Lowery was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to civil rights and social justice.

Passing and Legacy (2020)

Lowery passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of activism, faith, and leadership. His contributions to the civil rights movement and his advocacy for justice and equality continue to inspire generations to work towards a more just society.

Key Achievements

• Co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

• Played a vital role in nonviolent protests and the Selma to Montgomery march.

• Instrumental in establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday.

• Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his civil rights leadership.

Joseph E. Lowery was a prominent civil rights leader whose dedication to nonviolent protest, his founding role in the SCLC, and his advocacy for social justice made him a central figure in the fight for civil rights. His connection to Atlanta and his contributions to the city's civil rights legacy underscore his significance in the history of the movement. Lowery's impact on civil rights and his commitment to a more equitable society remain an enduring legacy and an inspiration for those who continue the struggle for justice and equality.

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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