Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Turist Park tours

• A deep-dive into the life of Ivan Allen Jr.

• Upcoming Arin Ray performance

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”

— Dale Carnegie

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 historic district that is home to Victorian-style houses and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site?

A) Cabbagetown

B) Virginia-Highland

C) Sweet Auburn

D) Ansley Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Atlanta park famous for hosting music festivals, cultural events, and a large open green space known as The Meadow is B) Piedmont Park.

News

💼 Business

Texas Court Decision May Impact Atlanta's Minority-Owned Businesses. (link)

Atlanta's Senior Culture Editor Discusses Post-Pandemic Business Hustle Among Gen Z and Millennials. (link)

Historic Prince Hall Masonic Lodge in Atlanta Set for $10.2 Million Revamp, Enhancing Civil Rights Legacy. (link)

🏒 Sports

Reynaldo López solidifies his position as Atlanta’s fifth starter, impressing over 16 2/3 innings with 13 strikeouts this spring. (link)

Max Fried showcases his skills by striking out four Tampa Bay Rays batters across six innings in a Spring Training appearance. (link)

Isaiah Drake, Atlanta Braves' No. 22 prospect, stands out with an RBI triple and a stolen base during Spring Breakout. (link)

Adam Duvall's signing to platoon in left field answers one of the Braves' few remaining roster questions, as the team's bullpen also sees positive developments. (link)

🏦 Finance

Significant Overhaul at Atlanta Municipal Market in Response to Economic Challenges. (link)

Reflecting changes in economic indicators, the Atlanta Fed's GDPNow model has revised its growth estimates​​. (link)

High-profile layoffs in the tech sector, including those at companies like Salesforce and Malwarebytes, mark a challenging period for the industry​​. (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
Monday, Mar 25th | Various time | (More Info)

🏀Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Monday, Mar 25th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🏀Atlanta Hawks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, Mar 27th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵  Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
Terminal West, Atlanta, GA
Monday, Mar 25th 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤  Noahfinnce
The Masquerade - Hell, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Mar 26th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Arin Ray: Phases Iii Tour
The Masquerade - Hell, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, Mar 27th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Tony22
The Masquerade - Purgatory, Atlanta, GA
Thursday, Mar 28th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🍳 Sporkful Live with Dan Pashman and Kim Severson
The Loft, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Mar 26th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎭 Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, Mar 27th | 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 “Futuristic Atlanta with a network of sky bridges” 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

Coca-Cola's Growth (Early 1900s)

The early 1900s marked a transformative period in Atlanta's history with the emergence of Coca-Cola as a global beverage icon. Founded by John S. Pemberton in Atlanta in 1886, the Coca-Cola Company started its journey to global prominence during this time. The creation of this beloved soft drink not only shaped Atlanta's economy but also left an indelible mark on the city's culture.

Coca-Cola's growth in the early 1900s was characterized by innovative marketing strategies, including the iconic contour bottle design, which became an enduring symbol of the brand. The company's early success was driven by effective advertising campaigns, partnerships with local businesses, and a commitment to quality. As Coca-Cola expanded its reach beyond Atlanta, it played a significant role in shaping the city's image as a hub of commerce and innovation.

The global rise of Coca-Cola during this era fundamentally altered Atlanta's identity and economic landscape. The company's success bolstered the city's reputation as a major player in the world of business and helped establish Atlanta as a key center for the beverage industry. Today, Coca-Cola's historical ties to Atlanta remain a source of pride and continue to be celebrated as a testament to the city's entrepreneurial spirit and global influence.

Famous Atlantans

Ivan Allen Jr. - Mayor of Atlanta

Early Life and Education (1911-1933)

Ivan Allen Jr. was born into a prominent Atlanta family, his father being a successful businessman. He grew up in the city that he would later serve, attending local schools before going on to earn a degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. This period laid the foundation for his deep connection to Atlanta and understanding of its social and economic fabric.

Business Career Before Politics (1933-1961)

Before his political career, Allen took the helm of his family's business, Ivan Allen-Marshall Company, growing it into a successful office supply firm. His business success and civic involvement, including leadership roles in various community organizations, established him as a prominent figure in Atlanta's business and civic circles.

Election as Mayor of Atlanta (1962-1970)

Ivan Allen Jr. was elected mayor of Atlanta in 1961, taking office in 1962. His tenure as mayor was marked by his progressive stance on civil rights, making significant efforts to integrate city government and public facilities. He was a rare Southern voice advocating for racial integration in the 1960s, pushing Atlanta toward a more inclusive future.

Championing Civil Rights Legislation

Allen's commitment to civil rights was notably demonstrated when he testified before Congress in support of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He was one of the few Southern politicians to do so, and his advocacy played a key role in the Act's passage. His leadership during this period helped prevent the racial violence that occurred in other cities.

Development of Atlanta

Under Allen's leadership, Atlanta saw significant development, including the construction of the Atlanta Civic Center and the expansion of the Atlanta Airport. His tenure also saw the foundation of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), setting the stage for the city's growth as a transportation hub.

Connection to Atlanta

Allen's legacy is deeply intertwined with Atlanta's history, particularly in the realm of civil rights and urban development. His efforts to transform Atlanta into a "city too busy to hate" fostered a business-friendly environment that attracted international attention and investment, helping to establish Atlanta as a leading city in the South.

Efforts in Education and Culture

Recognizing the importance of education and culture in a thriving city, Allen worked to improve Atlanta's educational institutions and supported the arts. His administration saw the improvement of public schools and the promotion of cultural initiatives, contributing to the city's cultural richness.

Legacy and Honors

Allen's contributions to Atlanta and the civil rights movement have been recognized through various honors, including the Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage, awarded by the Georgia Institute of Technology. His legacy is also preserved in the Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, a testament to his lasting impact on the city.

Personal Life and Passing

Ivan Allen Jr. was married to Louise Richardson Allen, and together they had three children. His commitment to public service and community was reflected not only in his political career but also in his personal life, dedicating time to his family and philanthropic efforts. Allen passed away in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of progress and inclusivity.

Key Achievements

• Elected Mayor of Atlanta, serving two terms from 1962 to 1970, and played a pivotal role in the city's development.

• Actively supported civil rights legislation, including testifying before Congress in support of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

• Oversaw significant urban development projects, including the expansion of the Atlanta Airport and the establishment of MARTA.

• His leadership helped Atlanta navigate through the civil rights era with relatively less violence and unrest compared to other Southern cities.

Ivan Allen Jr.'s tenure as mayor of Atlanta was marked by visionary leadership and a commitment to progress, particularly in the areas of civil rights and urban development. His efforts to integrate the city and advocate for civil rights legislation on a national level were groundbreaking for a Southern politician of his time. Allen's legacy endures in the infrastructure, cultural richness, and spirit of inclusivity that define Atlanta today, making him one of the city's most transformative leaders.

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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