Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Trap Sushi party secures new investment for expansion

• A deep-dive into the life of Alice Walker

• Upcoming Hoodie Allen performance

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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 iconic skyscraper that resembles a stack of books, a nod to the city's rich literary history?

A) The Flatiron Building

B) SunTrust Plaza

C) One Atlantic Center

D) Westin Peachtree Plaza

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
The Atlanta institution, one of the largest research universities in the United States, founded in 1885, is D) Georgia Institute of Technology.

News

💼 Business

Delta announced an increase in fees for checked bags, aligning with industry trends. (link)

Trap Sushi party secures new investment for expansion, reflecting the growing interest in unique culinary experiences in Atlanta​​. (link)

Atlanta's population is projected to reach 7.9 million by 2050, indicating significant growth and expansion for the city​​. (link)

The Woodruff Arts Center plans to redesign its campus into an 'open and welcoming park,' enhancing cultural and public spaces​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

Georgia Tech secured a victory against Florida State, maintaining their momentum. (link)

The Bulldogs suffered their fifth consecutive home loss due to poor shooting. (link)

Ronald Acuña Jr. visited a doctor in L.A. after an MRI on his knee showed irritation. (link)

The Hawks experienced a stagnation in offense, resulting in their second consecutive loss to the Nets​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Rising Georgia Power bills prompt consumer protection efforts at the Georgia Capitol, addressing concerns over increasing utility costs​​. (link)

Delta Airlines increases fees for checked bags, aligning with industry trends and reflecting changes in airline service charges​​. (link)

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's Business Inflation Expectations survey for February remains relatively unchanged at 2.3 percent. (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

🥎 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Softball vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
Shirley Clements Mewborn Field, Atlanta, GA
Friday, Mar. 15th | 8:00 PM (More Info)

🥎 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Softball vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
Shirley Clements Mewborn Field, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, Mar. 16th | 3:00 PM (More Info)

🥍 Georgia Swarm vs. Philadelphia Wings
Gas South Arena
Saturday, Mar. 16th | 7:30 PM (More Info)

⚾ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack
Russ Chandler Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, Mar. 16th | 4:00 PM (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Hippie Sabotage
The Tabernacle, Atlanta
Saturday, Mar. 16th | 8:00 PM (More Info)

🎤 Hoodie Allen
The Loft at Center Stage, Atlanta
Sunday, Mar. 17th | 7:00 PM (More Info)

🎵 Colin Hay
The Eastern, Atlanta
Sunday, Mar. 17th | 7:00 PM (More Info)

🎶 My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult
The Masquerade, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, Mar. 16th | 8:00 PM (More Info)

Family Friendly

🐠 Georgia Aquarium Visit
Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA
Open Daily | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (More Info)

🍹 World of Coca-Cola Tour
World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta, GA
Open Daily | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (More Info)

🏡 The Wren’s Nest Storytelling
The Wren’s Nest, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, Mar. 16th | 11:00 - 3:00 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 “Atlanta streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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 Georgia Institute of Technology (1885)

The founding of the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1885 marked a crucial milestone in Atlanta's history and played a pivotal role in the effort to modernize the post-Civil War South. At the time, the South was grappling with the challenges of reconstruction and economic recovery, and leaders in Atlanta recognized the importance of education and technological advancement in transforming the region. As a result, they established Georgia Tech as a beacon of progress and innovation.

Georgia Tech's mission was clear from the outset: to provide practical education in engineering, science, and technology that would equip students with the skills needed to drive the South's industrial and economic development. By focusing on applied knowledge and hands-on learning, the institution aimed to bridge the gap between traditional agricultural practices and the emerging industrial economy. Over the years, Georgia Tech has evolved into a world-renowned research university and a hub for innovation, contributing significantly to Atlanta's status as a leading center for technology, research, and education.

The founding of Georgia Tech not only represented Atlanta's forward-thinking approach to rebuilding and modernizing the post-war South but also laid the foundation for the city's growth as a major center for higher education, research, and technology-driven industries. Today, Georgia Tech remains a vital part of Atlanta's cultural and economic landscape, embodying the city's commitment to progress and innovation.

Famous Atlantans

Alice Walker - Author of "The Color Purple."

Early Life in the South (1944-1961)

Alice Walker was born on February 9, 1944, in Eatonton, Georgia, to sharecropper parents. Her early life in the rural South, amidst the poverty and racial segregation of the era, deeply influenced her writing and activism. An accident in her childhood left her blind in one eye, a formative experience that she later cited as pivotal in her decision to become a writer.

Education and Activism (1961-1967)

Walker attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, on a scholarship in 1961. This period was crucial in developing her political voice; she became involved in the civil rights movement, participating in the March on Washington in 1963. Later, she transferred to Sarah Lawrence College in New York, where she completed her degree and began to publish her first works.

Early Literary Career (1968-1975)

After college, Walker moved back to the South, working as a social worker and teacher, while continuing to write poetry and short stories. Her first collection of poetry, "Once," was published in 1968, and her first novel, "The Third Life of Grange Copeland," came out in 1970, showcasing her keen observations of African American life and gender issues.

“The Color Purple" and Critical Acclaim (1982)

Walker's most famous work, "The Color Purple," was published in 1982. The novel, set in the early 20th century American South, explores the lives of African American women against a backdrop of racism, sexism, and domestic violence. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award, marking a significant moment in her career and American literature.

Activism and Literary Contributions (1983-1999)

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Walker continued to write novels, short stories, and essays that explored themes of race, gender, and social justice. She became a prominent figure in feminist literature and an advocate for civil rights and anti-war movements. Her works during this period include "The Temple of My Familiar" and "Possessing the Secret of Joy."

Connection to Atlanta

Atlanta played a significant role in Walker's early life and career. Her time at Spelman College was transformative, exposing her to the civil rights movement and shaping her political and social views. Atlanta's vibrant African American community and its historical significance in the struggle for civil rights deeply influenced her writing and activism.

Later Works and Global Activism (2000-Present)

In the new millennium, Walker has continued to write and publish, while also focusing on global activism. She has been involved in various causes, including environmentalism, peace, and the Palestinian solidarity movement. Her later works include "Now Is the Time to Open Your Heart" (2004) and "Overcoming Speechlessness" (2010).

Personal Life and Philosophy

Walker's personal life, including her marriage to civil rights lawyer Melvyn Leventhal and their life in Mississippi, has been as pioneering as her career, challenging racial and social norms. Her writings frequently explore her beliefs in feminism, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Awards and Honors

Walker's contributions to literature and social activism have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and induction into the California Hall of Fame. Her work has been translated into more than two dozen languages, reaching a global audience.

Legacy and Influence

Alice Walker's legacy is marked by her profound impact on literature and social activism. Her exploration of the lives of African American women, her lyrical prose, and her unflinching commitment to justice have influenced generations of writers and activists.

Key Achievements

• Authored "The Color Purple," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award.

• Became a pioneering voice in feminist literature and an advocate for civil rights and global peace.

• Her work has been translated into more than twenty-four languages, impacting a global audience.

Alice Walker's life and career have been characterized by her deep commitment to exploring issues of race, gender, and social justice through her writing. Her most famous work, "The Color Purple," has left an indelible mark on American literature and culture. Walker's connection to Atlanta and her involvement in the civil rights movement have influenced her work and activism, making her one of the most important literary figures of her time.

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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