Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Truist Park tours

• A deep-dive into the life of Henry W. Grady

• Atlanta’s response to the increase of Georgia’s power bill.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.”

— Arthur Koestler

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 park is famous for hosting music festivals, cultural events, and has a large open green space known as The Meadow?

A) Chastain Park

B) Piedmont Park

C) Centennial Olympic Park

D) Grant Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
The name of Atlanta's iconic skyscraper that resembles a stack of books, a nod to the city's rich literary history, is C) One Atlantic Center.

News

💼 Business

Georgia Power Bill Increases: Moves at the Capitol aim to spur consumer protection efforts in response to rising bills​​. (link)

Woodruff Arts Center Renovation: Plans unveiled for transforming the campus into an 'open and welcoming park'​​. (link)

Trap Sushi Party Expansion: Following new investment, the event looks to broaden its reach​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

Atlanta Braves announce $10 million in Truist Park upgrades for new group seating, hospitality areas, concessions, and retail spaces​ (link)

Ronald Acuña Jr. expected to be ready for Opening Day after knee examination reveals no major issues; to gradually increase baseball activities​​. (link)

Atlanta Falcons focus on upcoming free agency, following detailed analysis and team strategy discussion at NFL Combine​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Atlanta-based financial tech company announces breakthrough in secure, blockchain-based payment processing solutions. (link)

Delta Increases Baggage Fees: Delta Air Lines is hiking checked-baggage fees by 17% after similar moves by other airlines​​. (link)

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's GDPNow model forecasts early 2024's growth at 2.5%, showcasing consistent economic activity without accounting for unexpected events like COVID-19. (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

🏞️ Tours: Truist Park
Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Mar. 18th-19th | (More Info)

🏀Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Saturday Mar. 23th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤Cobrah: Succubus Tour
The Masquerade - Hell , Atlanta
Tuesday, Mar 19th| 7:00 PM| (More Info)

🎸Marlon Craft: The Long Game Tour
The Masquerade - Purgatory, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Mar 19th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵Em Beihold
Terminal West, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Mar. 20th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎺Anthony Green
The Masquerade - Altar, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, Mar 20th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🎻Arlo Parks: My Soft Machine North American Tour
The Masquerade - Heaven, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, Mar 20th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🎪UniverSoul Circus
Gwinnett Place Mall, Duluth, GA
Mar. 21st-22nd | 7:00 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 “High-tech urban farm towers and green rooftops in 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 Atlanta Race Riot (1906)

The Atlanta Race Riot of 1906 stands as a tragic and disturbing chapter in the city's history, highlighting the deep-seated racial tensions that plagued the American South during that era. The riot erupted on the evening of September 22, 1906, primarily as a result of racial resentment and economic competition. Atlanta had experienced significant growth and industrialization following the Civil War, and this period of rapid change intensified the struggles between black and white residents.

The immediate catalyst for the riot was a false allegation of a black man assaulting a white woman. This unfounded accusation led to a wave of violence and mob attacks on the black community in Atlanta, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 black residents and numerous injuries. The riot brought to the forefront the systemic racism, segregation, and inequality deeply ingrained in the city and the South as a whole. It underscored the urgent need for racial reconciliation and social justice.

In the aftermath of the Atlanta Race Riot, the city underwent some changes, including the strengthening of segregation policies. However, the event also served as a wake-up call for some residents and activists who began to push for civil rights and social reform. While it was a dark moment in Atlanta's history, the riot ultimately contributed to the broader civil rights movement, highlighting the importance of addressing racial tensions and working towards a more just and equitable society.

Famous Atlantans

Henry W. Grady - Journalist and orator who promoted the "New South."

Early Life and Education (1850-1868)

Henry Woodfin Grady was born in Athens, Georgia, in 1850. Growing up during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods profoundly influenced his perspectives on the South and its future. He attended the University of Georgia before transferring to the University of Virginia, where he honed his skills in writing and rhetoric, laying the groundwork for his future career as a journalist and orator.

Beginning of Journalistic Career (1868-1876)

After completing his education, Grady began his journalistic career at the Rome Courier in Rome, Georgia, and later worked for the Atlanta Herald. His early work showcased a talent for vivid reporting and an interest in social and economic issues facing the post-war South, establishing him as a promising young voice in Southern journalism.

Leadership at the Atlanta Constitution (1876-1889)

Grady's career took a significant turn when he joined the Atlanta Constitution. As an editor and part-owner, he used his platform to advocate for the "New South," a vision of the South that would embrace industrialization and economic diversification, moving away from its reliance on agriculture and the legacy of the Confederacy.

The "New South" Vision

Grady's "New South" philosophy was grounded in the belief that the South should integrate into the national economy, adopting industrial and technological advancements. He championed the cause of national reconciliation, advocating for the South to accept the outcome of the Civil War and work towards a future that included both races working side by side for mutual benefit.

Influence Through Oratory (1880s)

Grady was not just a journalist but also a gifted orator. He traveled extensively, giving speeches that promoted his vision of the "New South" to audiences in the North and South. His eloquence and persuasive arguments played a crucial role in changing perceptions about the South's potential for economic revival and social progress.

Connection to Atlanta

Atlanta was central to Grady's life and work. He saw the city as a model for the "New South" he envisioned—dynamic, progressive, and industrially diverse. His efforts contributed significantly to Atlanta's growth and development during this period, earning him a lasting place in the city's history.

Advocacy for Education and Industrial Development

Grady was a strong advocate for education and industrial development as key components of the South's revival. He believed that education was essential for preparing the Southern workforce for new industrial opportunities, and he supported efforts to attract investment to the region.

Controversial Legacy on Race Relations

While Grady advocated for economic cooperation between races, his vision sometimes glossed over the harsh realities of racial segregation and disenfranchisement. His legacy in terms of race relations is complex; he is both credited with promoting a more progressive view of the South and critiqued for perpetuating "Lost Cause" mythology and racial inequality.

Death and Memorialization (1889)

Grady's untimely death in 1889 cut short his influential career. However, his impact on the South and particularly on Atlanta was profound. Monuments and institutions bearing his name, including Grady Hospital and Henry W. Grady High School in Atlanta, testify to his lasting influence.

Key Achievements

• Played a pivotal role in promoting the "New South" philosophy, advocating for industrialization and economic diversification in the post-Civil War South.

• As an editor and part-owner of the Atlanta Constitution, he used his platform to influence public opinion and policy.

• His skillful oratory helped change perceptions about the South, both within the region and across the nation.

Henry W. Grady was a seminal figure in the post-Civil War South, using his journalistic and oratorical talents to advocate for a "New South" that would embrace progress, industrialization, and reconciliation with the North. His connection to Atlanta and his vision for the city as a model of Southern renewal were instrumental in its development. While his legacy is complex, especially regarding race relations, his impact on the South's economic and social landscape is undeniable.

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

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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