Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Wendy Stewart awarded DEI&B Lifetime Achievement.

• A deep-dive into the life of Ralph David Abernathy.

• Brian Bohannon denies stepping down as KSU coach.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

— Oscar Wilde

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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 historic Atlanta building was the tallest in the city at the time of its completion in 1897 and was originally known as the English-American Building?

A) The Candler Building

B) The Flatiron Building

C) The Hurt Building

D) The Equitable Building

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The largest free jazz festival in the country, typically held in Piedmont Park, is A) Atlanta Jazz Festival.

News

💼Business

Gray Television cuts jobs amid restructuring. (link)

DEI&B Lifetime Achievement winner: Wendy Stewart of Bank of America. (link)

🏒Sports

Brian Bohannon: ‘I want to be clear that I did not step down’ from KSU football coach job. (link)

As usual, Falcons-Saints matchup peculiar to the last. (link)

🏦Finance

Toro secures financing for $560 million Johns Creek project. (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

🏀 Whitefield Academy Boys JV Basketball @ Carver
55 McDonough Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA
Monday, 18 November 2024 at 7:30 pm | (More Info)

🏀 Mill Springs Academy Boys Varsity Basketball @ Cross Keys
1626 N Druid Hills Rd, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, 19 November 2024 at 7:00 pm | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Lo Moon
The Masquerade - Purgatory, Atlanta, GA
Mon • Nov 18, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 GWAR
The Masquerade - Heaven, Atlanta, GA
Tue • Nov 19, 2024 • 6:30 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🎙️ Criminal - a Podcast
Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA
Wed • Nov 20, 2024 • 8:00 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 where every building is a work of abstract art” 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 Transformation of Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport (1950s): Its development into a major transport hub.

The transformation of Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport in the 1950s marked a monumental shift that elevated Atlanta to a prominent position as a major transportation hub. Originally known as Candler Field when it opened in 1926, the airport underwent significant expansion and modernization during the 1950s, largely due to the visionary leadership of Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield and the airport's manager, Ben T. Epps.

Under Mayor Hartsfield's leadership, the airport was expanded and renamed in his honor in 1957, becoming Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport. This period of growth included the construction of a new terminal, extended runways, and improved facilities to accommodate the booming demand for air travel. By the end of the decade, Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport had become one of the busiest airports in the United States.

The airport's transformation was instrumental in establishing Atlanta as a major center for air travel and commerce. Today, Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport remains a vital gateway to the Southeastern United States and a key hub for both domestic and international flights. Its continued growth and modernization have solidified its position as a crucial driver of Atlanta's economy and a symbol of the city's global connectivity.

Famous Atlantans

Ralph David Abernathy - Civil rights leader and Martin Luther King Jr.'s close associate.

Early Life and Education (1926-1948)

Ralph David Abernathy was born in 1926 in Linden, Alabama, into a family of farmers. He grew up experiencing the harsh realities of racial segregation in the South. Abernathy's early education took place in Alabama's segregated schools, followed by his enrollment at Alabama State University, where he began to cultivate his leadership skills and passion for social justice.

Ministry and Early Activism (1948-1955)

After completing his degree, Abernathy felt a calling to the ministry and pursued further studies at Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University). He became the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1952. During this time, Abernathy's commitment to civil rights began to take shape, laying the groundwork for his future role in the movement.

Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956)

Abernathy played a crucial role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to initiate and lead the boycott after Rosa Parks' arrest. This pivotal event marked the beginning of the modern Civil Rights Movement and solidified Abernathy's place as a key leader in the fight against segregation.

Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Formation (1957-1968)

In 1957, Abernathy and King co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization that would become instrumental in the civil rights movement. Abernathy served as the organization's first Financial Secretary-Treasurer and later as its Vice President, contributing significantly to its strategic planning and execution of civil rights activities.

The Freedom Rides and Birmingham Campaign

Abernathy was deeply involved in the Freedom Rides and the Birmingham Campaign, enduring arrest and violence as he worked to desegregate interstate bus travel and combat Jim Crow laws in one of the most segregated cities in America. His leadership and courage during these campaigns were pivotal to their success.

March on Washington (1963)

Abernathy was a key figure in organizing the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Abernathy's efforts helped to mobilize thousands of people to participate in one of the largest and most significant political rallies for civil rights in U.S. history.

Selma to Montgomery Marches (1965)

In 1965, Abernathy played a critical role in the Selma to Montgomery marches, which highlighted the denial of African American voting rights and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a cornerstone achievement of the civil rights movement.

Leadership after King's Assassination (1968-1990)

Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Abernathy succeeded him as president of the SCLC, where he continued to lead civil rights initiatives and advocate for economic justice, including the Poor People's Campaign.

Connection to Atlanta

Atlanta was central to Abernathy's work and life, especially during his tenure at the SCLC, which was based in the city. His leadership in Atlanta helped to foster significant civil rights advancements and left a lasting impact on the city's history and the broader movement for racial equality.

Later Years and Legacy

Abernathy continued his activism and ministry until his death in 1990. He authored an autobiography, "And the Walls Came Tumbling Down," which offered a personal account of his life and the civil rights movement, contributing to the historical understanding of the era's struggles and triumphs.

Key Achievements

• Co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) with Martin Luther King Jr.

• Played a crucial role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Selma to Montgomery marches.

• Instrumental in organizing the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

• Succeeded Martin Luther King Jr. as president of the SCLC, continuing the fight for civil rights and economic justice.

Ralph David Abernathy's legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. As a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr. and a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, his contributions helped shape the course of American history. Abernathy's leadership in pivotal events, from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the March on Washington, and his stewardship of the SCLC after King's assassination, underscore his significant role in the struggle for civil rights. His connection to Atlanta and his impact on the civil rights movement across the United States endure as a testament to his life's work.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

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