Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Atlanta Dream home game

• A deep-dive into the life of Hank Aaron

• Ronald Acuña Jr. out with ACL.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

- Albert Einstein

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 Atlanta district that is the hub of the city's arts scene, featuring art galleries, theaters, and a vibrant street art community?

A) The Castleberry Hill Arts District

B) The Midtown Arts District

C) The Westside Cultural Arts District

D) The Buckhead Arts District

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic Atlanta theater, once a movie palace, known for its opulent Moorish design and the city's premier venue for Broadway plays, is A) The Fox Theatre.

News

💼 Business

National Center for Civil and Human Rights grows with ‘eye-opening’ expansion (Podcast). (link)

Bohannon Road Ventures LLC Plans 1.2M SF Data Center Campus in Fairburn. (link)

Father, Atlanta business owner hit by car after pulling over to change a flat tire. (link)

MARTA sets closing date for Five Points station as renovation nears. (link)

🏒 Sports

Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. out for the season with second torn ACL.. (link)

NCAA baseball tournament: Georgia to host regional, Georgia Tech to travel to Athens. (link)

Legendary UCLA, NBA player and broadcaster Bill Walton dies at 71. (link)

Angel Hernandez, MLB's controversial umpire, announces retirement. (link)

🏦 Finance

JPMorgan Chase is tapping Atlanta’s tech talent to drive global finance innovation. (link)

Atlanta Housing Honored with National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies Award of Excellence. (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. Winston-Salem Dash
AdventHealth Stadium, Rome, GA
Tuesday, Jun 4th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Rome Emperors vs. Winston-Salem Dash
AdventHealth Stadium, Rome, GA
Wednesday, Jun 5th | 12:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty
Gateway Center Arena, College Park, GA
Thursday, Jun 6th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵  Sponsorship - Venmo
Presence Arena, Atlanta, GA
Monday, Jun 3th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Teezo Touchdown
The Masquerade - Hell , Atlanta
Tuesday, Jun 4th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Strawberry Guy
Aisle 5, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Jun 4th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Lip Critic
Aisle 5, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, Jun 5th | 8:30 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🎶 Les Miserables
Fox Theatre - Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Jun 4th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

📜 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Woodstock Arts Theatre, Woodstock, GA
Wednesday, Jun 5th | 10:00 AM | (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 illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures” 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 Atlanta Child Murders (1979-1981): A tragic period that gripped the city and the nation.

The Atlanta Child Murders, which occurred between 1979 and 1981, marked a harrowing and deeply unsettling period in the city's history, as well as the nation's consciousness. During this tragic time, a series of abductions and murders of young African American children and teenagers sent shockwaves throughout Atlanta. The case, characterized by the mysterious and heart-wrenching deaths of 28 victims, put the city in a state of fear and heightened racial tensions.

The investigation into the Atlanta Child Murders was one of the largest and most complex in U.S. history, involving multiple law enforcement agencies and drawing extensive media attention. Wayne Williams, a local aspiring music producer, was eventually arrested and convicted for two of the murders, although he was never officially charged with the remaining cases. The conviction and controversy surrounding the investigation continue to spark debate and questions about the full scope of responsibility for the crimes.

The Atlanta Child Murders left an indelible scar on the city's collective memory and served as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of its youth. The tragedy also exposed the racial disparities in media coverage and law enforcement response, underscoring the need for justice and reform in addressing crimes that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. To this day, the Atlanta Child Murders remain a somber and unresolved chapter in Atlanta's history, with lingering questions and concerns about the true extent of the tragedy and the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.

Famous Atlantans

Hank Aaron - Legendary baseball player and civil rights advocate.

Early Life and Minor Leagues (1934-1953)

Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1934, into a segregated America. Despite facing economic hardships and racial segregation, Aaron's passion for baseball led him to play for semi-professional and Negro League teams. His exceptional talent was evident early on, and by 1952, Aaron had begun his professional career with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League, quickly attracting the attention of Major League scouts.

Joining the Major Leagues (1954-1959)

Aaron made his Major League debut in 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves, showcasing remarkable skill and resilience. Despite facing racism and discrimination, he quickly established himself as one of the league's premier players, earning his first All-Star selection in 1955, the first of 25 consecutive selections, which remains a record.

The Milwaukee Years and Rise to Stardom (1960-1965)

Throughout the early 1960s, Aaron solidified his status as a baseball superstar. He led the Milwaukee Braves to a World Series Championship in 1957, earning the National League MVP that year. His consistent performance, characterized by a high batting average, home run power, and excellent fielding, made him a central figure in the sport.

The Atlanta Braves and Home Run King (1966-1974)

When the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, Aaron became an integral part of the city's sports culture. His chase for Babe Ruth's all-time home run record, culminating in his 715th home run on April 8, 1974, was a defining moment in baseball history. Aaron faced intense racial hostility during his pursuit of the record, yet his dignity and perseverance in the face of such adversity further cemented his legacy.

Connection to Atlanta

Hank Aaron's connection to Atlanta was profound. Beyond his athletic achievements, Aaron became a beloved figure in the community and a symbol of the city's progress toward racial equality. His tenure with the Atlanta Braves made him an icon in Atlanta sports and a key figure in the city's history.

Civil Rights Advocacy

Throughout his career and retirement, Aaron was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. He used his platform to speak out against racism and inequality, both within baseball and in society at large. Aaron's commitment to civil rights was recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002.

Post-Playing Career and Business Ventures

After retiring from baseball in 1976, Aaron remained active in the sport as an executive with the Atlanta Braves. He also became a successful entrepreneur, involving himself in various business ventures, including car dealerships and restaurant franchises, further contributing to his community.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Aaron was deeply committed to philanthropy, focusing on youth development and educational initiatives. Through the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation, he provided scholarships and support for young people pursuing their dreams, reflecting his belief in giving back to the community.

Legacy in Baseball and Beyond

Hank Aaron's legacy extends far beyond his baseball achievements. He is remembered as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, a pioneering figure in the sport's history, and a tireless advocate for justice and equality.

Key Achievements

• Broke Babe Ruth's all-time home run record with his 715th home run in 1974.

• Selected to 25 consecutive All-Star Games, a record in Major League Baseball.

• Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002 for his contributions to civil rights and philanthropy.

Hank Aaron's story is one of extraordinary talent, resilience, and dignity in the face of adversity. As a legendary baseball player, he shattered records and barriers, becoming a hero not just in Atlanta but across the nation. Off the field, his advocacy for civil rights and commitment to community service left a lasting impact on society. Aaron's legacy is a testament to the power of sports as a catalyst for social change and the enduring influence of an athlete who transcended the game of baseball.

Connect With Me

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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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