Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• No Arrest in DeKalb Business Shooting.

• Upcoming Atlanta Braves game

• Breer: Cousins' Exit Tied to Vikings' Draft Strategy.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."

– George Eliot

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 known for its scenic lake, a historic bandstand, and hosting the annual "Screen on the Green" movie series?

A) Piedmont Park

B) Centennial Olympic Park

C) Lake Clara Meer Park

D) Grant Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Atlanta street that has become synonymous with the city's restaurant scene, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences, is C) Buford Highway.

News

💼 Business

JPMorgan Chase Taps Local Universities, Skills Institutions in Atlanta for Tech Talent, Bolstering Workforce Growth Through Strategic Recruitment Collaboration. (link)

Still no arrest in death of DeKalb County woman shot at her own business. (link)

Teen clothing retailer files bankruptcy, to close Georgia stores. (link)

Atlanta music producer killed in shooting at Brookhaven apartments. (link)

🏒 Sports

Taylor Triumphs: Graduates from University of Florida with Sociology Degree, 26 Years After Leaving for NFL Draft. (link)

Brunson's Historic 43-Point Performance Lifts Knicks Over Pacers 121-117, Becoming Fourth NBA Player With Four Consecutive 40-Point Playoff Games. (link)

Breer: Cousins' Exit Linked to Vikings' QB Draft Strategy; Falcons' Quarterback Approach Under Spotlight Amid First-Round Draft Speculation. (link)

Comcast Drops Bally Sports: Braves Fans Lose Access as Diamond Sports Network Deal Expires, Leaving Viewers Without Key Regional Sports Coverage. (link)

🏦 Finance

Atlanta Housing's James Allen Jr. Place Wins Prestigious Redevelopment Award of Excellence from NALHFA, Honoring Innovation in Affordable Housing Finance. (link)

Billing Rate Hikes Fuel Financial Growth for Atlanta, Southeast Law Firms; Big Law Leaders Raise Rates up to 7% in 2023 to Counter Rising Costs. (link)

Ray Schoenbaum, Founder of Ray's Restaurants, Announces Retirement and Sale of Three Iconic Atlanta Fine Dining Establishments to TEI Hospitality. (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, May 13th | (More Info)

⚾ Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs
State Farm Arena, Atlanta
Monday, May 13th | 7:20 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵  The Amity Affliction
The Masquerade - Heaven, Atlanta, GA
Monday, May 13th | 5:30 PM | (More Info)

🎤  Black Veil Brides: BLEEDERS Tour 2024
Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta, GA
Monday, May 13th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎸 The Chisel
The Masquerade - Purgatory, Atlanta, GA
Monday, May 13th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵  Enter Shikari
Terminal West, Atlanta, GA
Monday, May 13th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🎭 Girls Gone Bible Live Tour
Center Stage Theater, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, May 15th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Robert Spano + Rite Of Spring
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta, GA
Thursday, May 16th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎬 Legally Blonde
Byers Theatre, Sandy Springs, GA
Thursday, May 16th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎪 UniverSoul Circus
Universoul Circus - Atlantic Station - Pinnacle Lot, Atlanta, GA
Friday, May 17th | 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 “Post-apocalyptic Atlanta reclaimed by nature” 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 Desegregation of Atlanta Schools (Early 1960s): A significant period in the city's civil rights history.

The desegregation of Atlanta schools in the early 1960s marked a pivotal moment in the city's civil rights history and contributed to the broader national struggle for racial equality. Despite Atlanta's reputation as a progressive Southern city, its public schools remained segregated by race, perpetuating inequality and injustice. This era saw determined efforts from civil rights activists, educators, and community leaders to challenge this deeply entrenched segregation.

Key figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was an Atlanta native, and attorney Donald Hollowell played instrumental roles in advocating for the desegregation of Atlanta schools through legal challenges and grassroots organizing. Their efforts bore fruit when, in 1961, federal courts ruled against segregation in Atlanta's public schools, paving the way for integration. The process of desegregation was not without challenges, including resistance from some white communities, but it marked a significant step toward dismantling segregation and promoting equal educational opportunities for all students.

The desegregation of Atlanta schools in the early 1960s was a transformative moment for the city, reflecting the resilience and determination of those who fought for civil rights and social justice. It symbolized Atlanta's commitment to progress and equality, and it contributed to the broader national movement for racial integration and civil rights reforms. Today, Atlanta continues to honor this legacy and strives to maintain a commitment to diversity and inclusion in its educational institutions and communities

Famous Atlantans

Lester Maddox - Governor of Georgia and noted segregationist.

Early Life and Business Ventures (1915-1944)

Lester Maddox was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1915, growing up in a time of deep racial segregation in the South. He dropped out of school to work but eventually became a successful businessman, owning several restaurants in Atlanta. His early life was marked by a strong work ethic and a growing interest in Georgia politics.

Segregationist Stance and Restaurant Controversy (1944-1964)

Maddox gained national attention in the 1960s for his staunch segregationist stance as the owner of the Pickrick Restaurant in Atlanta. He famously refused to serve black customers, defying the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and used this stance to catapult himself into the political arena, symbolizing resistance to federally mandated integration.

Political Ascent and Governorship (1966-1971)

In a surprising turn of events, Maddox was elected Governor of Georgia in 1966 after a contentious election that required a decision by the Georgia House of Representatives due to none of the candidates receiving a majority of the vote. His term as governor was marked by a complex mix of populist policies and continued resistance to integration, although he surprised some critics by moderating his tone on racial issues somewhat once in office.

Connection to Atlanta

Maddox's connection to Atlanta was a central theme of his life and career. From his early business ventures to his controversial stance on segregation at his restaurant, and later as a political figure, Maddox's actions and policies had a significant impact on the city, both socially and politically.

Surprising Moderation as Governor

Despite his segregationist campaign rhetoric, Maddox's tenure as governor saw a number of unexpected moves, including the appointment of more African Americans to governmental positions than his predecessors and advocating for prison reform and increased educational funding. These actions, however, were often overshadowed by his earlier segregationist stance and continued public statements against integration.

Post-Governorship and Continued Influence (1971-1983)

After his term as governor ended in 1971, Maddox remained a prominent figure in Georgia politics, serving as lieutenant governor from 1971 to 1975 under Governor Jimmy Carter. His political career continued to be defined by his populist approach and his advocacy for states' rights and segregation, although his influence began to wane as the national and state political climates evolved.

Business Ventures and Public Persona

Throughout his life, Maddox returned to his entrepreneurial roots, engaging in various business ventures and maintaining a high public profile through appearances and speaking engagements. He often used these platforms to express his political views and to comment on the state of the nation and the South.

Legacy and Controversy

Maddox left a complex legacy, remembered by some for his populist policies and by others for his vehement opposition to civil rights and integration. His career reflects the turbulent changes in American society and politics during the mid-20th century, particularly in the South.

Key Achievements

• Elected Governor of Georgia in 1966, serving until 1971.

• Known for his segregationist stance and opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

• Moderated some of his views while in office, appointing African Americans to government positions and advocating for prison reform.

Lester Maddox was a controversial figure in Georgia's political history, emblematic of the state's struggle with civil rights and integration during the 20th century. His tenure as governor revealed a complex individual who could not be easily categorized, as he combined populist policies with a segregationist stance. Despite the controversy surrounding his political and personal views, Maddox's impact on Georgia's political landscape and his connection to Atlanta's history remain 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

Poll